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, 2021, marks 100 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 a small number of highway patrolmen on September 1, 1921, as motorcycle officers of the Highway Patrol, whose broad responsibilities included enforcement of all motor vehicle 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 this great state and nation; and as such, the state of Washington was the eighth state in these 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 its founding to include many diverse facets of law enforcement, such as commercial vehicle enforcement, narcotics enforcement, seven crime laboratories, fire protection and training services, cybercrime investigation, homeland security, ferry vessel and terminal safety, capitol campus security, and executive protection, as well as antiterrorism coordination with all local, state, federal, and international law enforcement partners; and

WHEREAS, The Washington State Patrol has now grown to be one of the largest and most respected law enforcement agencies in the United States with over 2,200 commissioned and civilian employees, 43 canine officers, a response fleet of more than 1,600 vehicles, as well as airplanes, the country's largest unmanned aerial vehicle fleet, and a host of other specialized response units patrolling and protecting over 18,000 lane miles of Washington roadway every day; and

WHEREAS, The Washington State Patrol members, current and retired, who have come to be known as "troopers" and are easily distinguishable with their award-winning 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, In addition to Washington's troopers, there are hundreds of technical professionals who deliver outstanding, comprehensive services in support of troopers in the field, as well as directly to citizens in their time of need; notably, the communications officers, crime scene response team members, crime laboratory personnel, vehicle mechanics, communications technicians, facility repair personnel, records custodians, deputy fire marshals, and many other professionals in their field; and

WHEREAS, In 1995, Washington State Patrol's Annette M. Sandberg made history when she was appointed the first female chief of a state police organization in the nation. Today, the Washington State Patrol is led by Chief John R. Batiste, who is the 21st chief and first Black appointee, who continues the tradition of innovation, excellence, and courageous "service with humility" 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 Chief of the Washington State Patrol.