WHEREAS, It is the tradition of the Washington State Senate to honor significant and important contributions made by the citizens of the state; and
     WHEREAS, The Senate has the great privilege of enjoying the services and contributions of a talented and professional staff; and
     WHEREAS, The Assistant Sergeants at Arms and Security staff are among the most utilized by all senators and staff, with little notice but always to great effect; entrusted with tasks ranging from securing senators' personal items to the safety and welfare of all senators, staff, and members of the public; and
     WHEREAS, Ron McClinton, after a distinguished career as a State Trooper from 1965 to 1995 and with the Thurston County Superior Court from 1996 to 2002, first began with the Senate in 1999, becoming Assistant Sergeant at Arms in 2003 and then Deputy Director of Security; and
     WHEREAS, Ron's constant and reliable presence with the Security office has been a source of comfort and assurance for all senators, staff, and members of the public; and
     WHEREAS, Len Whitney began working sessions as an Assistant Sergeant at Arms with the 2000 session after 27 years with the State Patrol, becoming a familiar and personable presence on the floor as he ably assisted the members, Sergeant at Arms, and Security office; and
     WHEREAS, Bob Patters came to the Senate in 1995, serving as an Assistant Sergeant at Arms through each session until 2009; and
     WHEREAS, "Patters" was known as the stoic guardian of all activities on the 1st floor of the Cherberg Building, where his stern demeanor masked his ever-ready-to-help attitude; and
     WHEREAS, Bob Kelly and Bill Mason have served the Senate in the Sergeant at Arms office for over 20 sessions each, since 1986 and 1987, respectively; and
     WHEREAS, Bill, in addition to working with the Senate, also assists Crime Stoppers of Lewis County, is a docent at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis, and volunteers with other worthy organizations; and
     WHEREAS, Bob arrived at the Senate after his own failed run for Attorney General in 1976, campaigning as "Bunco" Bob Kelly as a member of the OWL - "Out with Logic, On with Lunacy" Party - and insisting that the administration of the law was far too important to be left in the hands of attorneys. "It was a hoot."; and
     WHEREAS, Bob Kelly leaves after his 25th session with the Senate, never failing during that time to teach every page the "page pose" and rewarding them appropriately. His efforts were such a success that pages jostled for assignments that might take them by Bob's station so they could earn another piece of candy; and
     WHEREAS, Ron, Len, and Bob will retire from public service with the Senate after the 2010 Sessions, and "Patters," and Bill retired after the 2009 session;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the duty, devotion, and years of service given by Deputy Director Ron McClinton, Assistant Sergeants at Arms Bob Patters and Len Whitney and Security staff Bob Kelly and Bill Mason to the Washington State Senate and the citizens of the State of Washington; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate acknowledges their retirements, thanking them and their families for their years of service and wish them the very best during their retirements; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Deputy Director Ron McClinton, Assistant Sergeants at Arms Bob Patters and Len Whitney, and Mr. Bob Kelly and Mr. Bill Mason on behalf of a grateful Senate.