HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2002-4698, by Representatives Edwards, O'Brien and Lovick

      WHEREAS, Uniformed police officers are the first and last line of defense in our communities and are true American heroes who uphold the honor, integrity, and authority entrusted to them; and

      WHEREAS, The Bothell Police Department serves 30,000 residents in a 12-mile radius; and

      WHEREAS, The mission of the Bothell Police Department is to protect life and property through professional service and proactive partnership in the community with integrity, responsiveness, sensitivity, and respect; and

      WHEREAS, Bothell Police Chief Mark Ericks has distinguished himself through leadership in service by establishing a positive community rapport; and

      WHEREAS, Since the late 1960s, Chief Ericks has served in many capacities as a uniformed officer in Washington, including detective, undercover officer, hostage negotiator, and administrator; and

      WHEREAS, Since 1990, the respected Chief Ericks has been instrumental in the professional development of the Bothell Police Department, striving to establish a progressive police unit that holds diversity, inclusiveness, and fairness at its core; and

      WHEREAS, The Bothell Police Department grew during his tenure, from 18 police officers to its current total of 54 officers and 30 civilian staff; and

      WHEREAS, The House of Representatives expresses its appreciation to Chief Mark Ericks for his distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement and wishes him luck in his future endeavors;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor and congratulate Chief Mark Ericks for his exemplary conduct, dedication, hard work, and contributions to his community and police department; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Chief Mark Ericks and the Bothell Police Department.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      4698 Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives

                          Rules Committee

                         February 8, 2002.

                   _____________________________

                   Cynthia Zehnder, Chief Clerk