HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4729, by Representatives Robertson, K. Schmidt, Delvin, Sterk, R. Fisher, Scheuerman, Conway, Pelesky, Chopp, L. Thomas, Dyer, Cooke, Hatfield, Quall, Costa, B. Thomas, Basich and D. Schmidt

        WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize excellence in service to this great state of Washington; and

        WHEREAS, The occasion of June 8, 1996, marks seventy-five years of excellence in service to the great state of Washington by the Washington State Patrol and its direct predecessor the Highway Patrol Division, of the Department of Efficiency, created on June 8, 1921; and

        WHEREAS, The Washington State Patrol traces its distinguished history to the dawn of the automobile era and the commissioning of the first six highway patrolmen on September 1, 1921, as motorcycle officers of the Highway Patrol whose broad responsibilities included enforcement of all motor vehicles and transportation laws; and

        WHEREAS, In the early part of this century, the leaders of Washington state had the insight and foresight to recognize the increasing and indispensable role that intrastate and interstate transportation would have on the economic well-being of our great state and the nation and as such the great state of Washington was the eighth state in these great United States to establish and create a State Patrol; and

        WHEREAS, The Washington State Patrol's duties, and service to the citizens of Washington state, have increased dramatically since being founded to include many diverse facets of law enforcement, such as commercial vehicle enforcement, narcotics enforcement sponsoring Clandestine Laboratory Response Teams, six crime laboratories, as well as fire protection service; and

        WHEREAS, The Washington State Patrol members current and retired, who have come to be known as "Troopers", and are easily distinguishable with their winter uniforms dating to the mid-1930's which include a bow tie and campaign hat, are first and foremost the highest quality law enforcement officers, who by their selfless and courageous service risk their very lives so that our homes, families, and communities will be safe; and

        WHEREAS, The Washington State Patrol, today, is led by Chief Annette Sandberg, who, as the first female and the youngest person to lead any State Patrol, will continue the tradition of innovation, excellence, and selfless, courageous service to the citizens of Washington state;

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the highest level of excellence in service to this great state of Washington by the Troopers and employees alike, current and retired, of the Washington State Patrol; and

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Governor of the state of Washington, and to the Chief of the Washington State Patrol.

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

              Resolution 4729 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                February 28, 1996.

                         ________________________________

                          Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk