District 5 was established, separating some of the southern counties from District 1, with headquarters in Vancouver.
Bowties became a part of the patrolman’s uniform. The first cadet class was initiated, and the Criminal Investigation Bureau was formed.
The state was divided into four Patrol districts, with a Captain in charge of each district. District 1, with headquarters in Tacoma consisted of 14 counties, including all of Southwest…
Washington State Legislature acknowledged the need for a police organization that was mobile and could be concentrated immediately at any place in the state where the public safety was endangered.…
Chief Cole changed the uniform color from grey to forest green and added black trim, a Sam Brown belt, and “cap” style hat.
The Patrol bought it’s first “paddy wagons”, a Ford panel delivery truck which was assigned to the major mountain highway at Snoqualmie Pass.
Chief William Cole was appointed the first Chief of the Washington State Highway Patrol. Prior to Chief Cole’s appointment by Governor Roland H. Hartley, Ms. Helen Shaw assumed the duties…
Patrolmen made arrangements with a local clothing store to provide the same uniform for every man in the highway patrol. Their attire included motorcycle caps, grey Norfolk jackets, riding breeches,…
The first Washington State Highway Patrol Officers were sworn in. They were Harold Lakeburg, Harry Harkins, Hentry Shunk, William Clark, Eugene Russell, and George Potter. The officers first vehicles were…
Washington State Legislature authorized the appointment of a highway police with the power of peace officers.