SENATE RESOLUTION

                             2000-8697

By Senator Hale, Johnson,Bauer, Benton, Brown, Costa, Deccio, Eide, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Gardner, Goings, Hargrove, Haugen, Heavey, Hochstatter, Honeyford, Horn, Jacobsen, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Long, Loveland, McAuliffe, McDonald, Morton, Oke, Patterson, Rasmussen, Roach, Rossi, Sellar, Sheahan, Sheldon, B., Sheldon, T., Shin, Snyder, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, West, Winsley, Wojahn, Zarelli

     WHEREAS, Washington State Patrol Trooper James E. Saunders was killed in the line of duty on October 7, 1999, while making a routine traffic stop in Pasco; and

     WHEREAS, This tragedy ended the life of a young and dedicated officer, and left a little girl named Megan and a baby due in March without a father; and

     WHEREAS, Trooper Saunders= widow, Billie, has lost the love and support of her best friend and husband; and

     WHEREAS, The parents of Trooper Saunders, John and Jan Saunders, have lost a loving son in whom they shared a deep pride with their community; and

     WHEREAS, Trooper Saunders is remembered by his fellow officers, friends, and family for his spirit for life, his courage, and his devotion to his wife and daughter; and

     WHEREAS, Trooper Saunders= service to his state and community was selfless and honorable and a credit to the Washington State Patrol; and

      WHEREAS, Trooper Saunders= tragic death is a sad reminder to all citizens of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day; and

     WHEREAS, Trooper Saunders was honored as a hero by Governor Gary Locke during his State of the State address on January 11, 2000;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Senate of the state of Washington, that Washington State Patrol Trooper James E. Saunders be remembered and honored for his sacrifice in carrying out his duty to serve and protect the people of Washington.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Trooper Saunders and each of his colleagues in law enforcement be acknowledged in grateful appreciation by the Washington State Senate for their service and sacrifices on behalf of the communities they serve.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be given to John and Jan Saunders, to Billie Saunders, to Megan Saunders, and to Trooper Saunders= baby due in March, so that he or she will know something of the good man who was his or her father.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 2000-8697,

adopted by the Senate February 4, 2000.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate