WHEREAS, Washington State Representative Mark Ericks has served the people of the 1st Legislative District with great honor and distinction since 2005; and
     WHEREAS, Representative Ericks will not be seeking reelection to the Washington State Legislature this year; and
     WHEREAS, Representative Ericks' district encompasses areas in both King and Snohomish counties, including the communities of Bothell, Woodinville, Mountlake Terrace, Brier, Lynnwood, and Edmonds; and
     WHEREAS, Representative Ericks is a lifelong Washingtonian who was born in Seattle, graduated from Sultan High School, and now resides in Snohomish; and
     WHEREAS, Representative Ericks is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, 171st Session, in Quantico, Virginia; and
     WHEREAS, Representative Ericks has over 30 years of service in law enforcement, including 18 years in the Bellevue Police Department and 12 years as Bothell's Chief of Police, retiring in 2002; and
     WHEREAS, Representative Ericks' distinguished career in law enforcement included work in Hostage & Crisis Negotiation, Juvenile Victims Unit, White Collar Crime Unit, Patrol Division, K-9 Supervisor, and undercover detective work, among others; and
     WHEREAS, As a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Civil Rights Committee, Representative Ericks worked to protect and promote civil and constitutional rights, which are the foundations of democracy in our nation; and
     WHEREAS, Representative Ericks has received numerous honors and awards for his work in law enforcement, including a Life Saving Meritorious Service Award, and a Community Service Award from the Black Law Enforcement Association of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Representative Ericks has also dedicated many volunteer hours to youth athletics in his community, as a pitching instructor for Girls Fastpitch, a Northshore Little League Coach, and a Northshore Little League Board member, and even coached a Girls Fastpitch team all the way to the 1995 state championships; and
     WHEREAS, Representative Ericks has also served on the boards of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Greater Bothell Association, and is a proud member of the Bothell Chamber of Commerce; and
     WHEREAS, In the Legislature, Representative Ericks' vice-chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee has been dedicated and focused, with many long days, nights, and weekends spent in hearings and committee meetings; and
     WHEREAS, Representative Ericks has been the State House representative to the National Conference of State Legislatures Budget and Revenue Committee; and
     WHEREAS, On the House floor, Representative Ericks has often risen to speak up for families and small businesses in Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, In addition to his Legislative family, Representative Ericks has a loving and devoted family that includes his wife, Deborah Parker, his five daughters, his three sons-in-law, his granddaughter, and a grandson that is on the way; and
     WHEREAS, Representative Ericks has been honored with a United States Marshall nomination by United States Senator Patty Murray, and if appointed by President Barack Obama will continue his service to country and community with the same honor and distinction he has shown his entire career; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Legislature will not be the same without him;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington celebrate and commemorate the grand and distinguished legislative, civic, and professional career of Washington State Representative Mark Ericks; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Washington State Representative Mark Ericks and the members of his family.