October 4, 2024
Olympia Wash. – Law enforcement agencies across the state and neighboring region held an emphasis patrol on Friday, Sept. 27, in honor of fallen Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Christopher Gadd #927. In addition to the WSP, more than 46 local, city, and county agencies across Washington State, as well as counterparts in Oregon and Idaho, came together to honor Trooper Gadd, inspired by his dedication to ensure the safety of our communities.
Overall totals of vehicle contacts, arrests, citations, and warnings are still being compiled, but the WSP alone made more than 4,600 traffic stops resulting in the removal of 68 impaired drivers. Additionally, troopers contacted more than 1,600 drivers for excessive speed and issued nearly 2,500 warnings.
“The event was a big success,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “I would like to thank the two other state and 46 local agencies that participated. I have heard anecdotally from many of my counterparts that they saw impressive numbers as well, but the WSP alone made 68 arrests for DUI, wrote 197 citations for distracted driving and over 1,600 citations for speeding. Impairment, speed, and distraction are the three major killers on our highways, so I have no doubt that Trooper Gadd’s memory helped us save lives.”
The emphasis patrols were held the evening of Sept. 27 into the early morning hours of the following day. Trooper Gadd was killed after being struck by an impaired driver on Interstate 5 just north of Marysville on March 2, 2024. Prior to the tragic incident, he messaged his detachment members he was going to meet up with them for break after “One More Stop.” In his honor, the “One More Stop” patrols were developed to remind motorists that they should drive more safely, and that law enforcement is committed to keeping unsafe drivers from causing more harm.
“We miss Chris terribly,” said Chief Batiste. “His family, including that beautiful little daughter, misses the father, the husband, the brother, and the son that was lost. He died keeping our roadways safe and we will remember him by doing the same. This agency alone has investigated 192 fatal crashes this year and EVERY ONE of them was preventable. Christopher Gadd’s memory will help us help the traveling public stay safer this year, and in the years to come. Truly, he is gone, but never forgotten.”
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