WHEREAS, Sean M. O'Connell Jr. was born September 10, 1974, in West
Islip, New York and graduated from Pawling High School in Pawling, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Sean M. O'Connell Jr. served our country honorably in the
United States Navy from October 13, 1992, to June 24, 1997, receiving
many commendations and service medals; and
WHEREAS, Sean M. O'Connell Jr. was commissioned on March 1, 1999,
with the 82nd Trooper Basic Training Class as a Washington State Patrol
Trooper and assigned to Marysville; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Sean M. O'Connell Jr. became a strong and vital
link between the work of the Washington State Patrol and the community
he served; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Sean M. O'Connell Jr. fully embodied the
Washington State Patrol's motto of "Service with Humility" by
performing his duties professionally with a positive attitude, a
ubiquitous smile, and a sense of respect for the community he served;
and
WHEREAS, Trooper Sean M. O'Connell Jr. honored Washington State
Patrol Badge #1076 on his chest and on his patrol car license plate
through years of selfless and courageous service; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Sean M. O'Connell Jr. was tragically killed in the
line of duty on May 31, 2013, after serving nearly 15 years with the
Washington State Patrol; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Sean M. O'Connell Jr. will be missed dearly by his
brothers and sisters in the State Patrol family and law enforcement,
and his spirit of service will continue through the lives he impacted
as well as those he touched throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Sean M. O'Connell Jr. was not only a loving son
and brother but also a devoted husband to his wife Alissa for more than
12 years and an adoring father to his 7 year old son Kian and 5 year
old daughter Miley;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of
Representatives express its deepest condolences to the family, friends,
colleagues, and community that have lost Trooper Sean M. O'Connell Jr.;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives join the
people of the State of Washington in commending, saluting, and honoring
Trooper Sean M. O'Connell Jr. for his exemplary and exceptional
service; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express
profound appreciation and enduring gratitude to the brave men and women
that protect our state every day as members of the Washington State
Patrol; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be
immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of
Representatives to the surviving family members of Trooper Sean M.
O'Connell Jr., Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste, and
Washington State Patrol Marysville District Commander Jeffrey R. Sass.