HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2023-4627

HR 4627

ByRepresentative Klicker

WHEREAS, Dean Atkinson, Jr. was born on November 29, 1994, in Savannah, Georgia, and graduated from Walla Walla High School in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Dean Atkinson, Jr. served our country honorably in the Washington Army National Guard alongside his father Dean Atkinson, Sr.; and

WHEREAS, Dean Atkinson, Jr. was commissioned on June 6, 2018, with the 109th Trooper Basic Training Class as a Washington State Patrol Trooper assigned to Moses Lake, Washington, then transferred to Walla Walla, Washington in 2019; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Dean Atkinson, Jr. has become a strong and vital link between the work of the Washington State Patrol and the community he served; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Dean Atkinson, Jr. fully embodies 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 serves; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Dean Atkinson, Jr., while in the line of duty, was critically wounded when he was ambushed while on routine patrol in Walla Walla on September 22, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Dean Atkinson, Jr. having been shot three times, once in the left hand and twice in the face, drove himself to Providence St. Mary Medical Center for treatment; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Dean Atkinson, Jr. is not only a loving son and brother, but also a devoted partner to his fiancé, Meagan Graves;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives express its gratitude, respect, and admiration to Trooper Dean Atkinson, Jr. for his bravery in the line of fire; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives join the people of the State of Washington in commending, saluting, and honoring Trooper Dean Atkinson, 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 law enforcement officers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Trooper Dean Atkinson, Jr., Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste, and Washington State Patrol District 3 Commander Shane M. Nelson.