WSP’s 117th Trooper Basic Training Class Graduates 43 New Troopers

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) added 43 newly commissioned troopers to its ranks today during the 117th Trooper Basic Training ( TBTC) graduation ceremony held at the Capitol Rotunda.

The graduation marks the well- deserve completion of more than 1,400 hours of rigorous training including classroom and practical exercises at the WSP Academy in Shelton. The training culminated with a coaching trip where the cadets worked alongside a field training officer.

The combined efforts of the 117th TBTC class resulted in 9,056 driver contacts, 2,777 calls for service, the removal of 492 impaired drivers our roadways, 926 collision investigations, and 1,613 motorist assists during their two-month long coaching trip.

Washington State Supreme Court Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud swore in the new troopers as the rotunda erupted with applause and cheers from family, friends, and colleagues.

Chief John R. Batiste, a member of the 55th Trooper Basic Training Class, thanked the new troopers and their families for their dedication to being a part of the future of the agency.

“Everything that has been shared with you has prepared you for this day,” Chief John Batiste said to the graduates during Wednesday's ceremony. “Don't doubt yourself – you are more than ready.”

Chief Batiste alongside

Governor Jay Inslee congratulated each graduate, providing them with their commission cards signifying they were now officially a WSP trooper.

“On behalf of the seven million folks of the great

state of Washington, I thank you for your willingness to do this job,” Chief Batiste said. “We are living in difficult times, and your willingness to do this particular work is admirable; I thank you for that.”

WSP Academy Captain Robert W. Sharpe recognized several members of the class for excelling in aspects of specific skills and abilities, including:

Top Academic Award: Trooper Christian J. Freund

This award recognizes the outstanding efforts of the cadet who attains the highest grade point average compiled more than 30 ex

ams and quizzes.

Top Driving Award: Trooper Christian J. Freund

This award recognizes the highest level of proficiency with respect to driving skills, techniques, decision- making, mindset, and the steady and constant improvement through each phase of drive training.

Top Firearms Award: Trooper Jordan R. Jacobs

This award recognizes the highest level of proficiency with all weapons systems, marksmanship scores, skills, and demonstration of sound judgement during practical encounter scenarios.

Top Physical Fitness Award: Trooper Kristyn N.

Boyes

This award recognizes the highest level of drive and tenacity in physical fitness testing and training. The recipient of this award consistently performed at the top of the TBTC during physical training.

Top Control Tactics Award: Trooper Daniel J. Menihane Jr.

This award recognizes the highest level of proficiency in control tactics techniques, to include self- defense, handcuffing, searching, and the use of force thought process.

Top Collision Investigation Award: Trooper Logan C. Lambert

This award recognizes the highest level of proficiency regarding collision investigation, including mathematical computation, scene investigation, evidence gathering, report writing, and teamwork.

Top Communications Award: Trooper Timothy J. Hipps

This award recognizes the highest level of efficiency of radio communications knowledge, based upon testing and practical exercises.

Top Overall Cadet Award: Trooper Joshua T. Hudson

This award recognizes the trooper cadet who demonstrated great courage to overcome obstacles, unwavering dedication to stay focused in reaching their goals and their ability to give 100 percent in every aspect of their training. Trooper Hudson demonstrated the necessary skills, abilities, and judgement to be an excellent trooper, and made the efforts to make continuous improvements.

Core Values Award: Trooper Christian J. Freund

The Core Values Award is determined by the anonymous vote of the members of the 117th TBTC, who chooses the classmate they feel best exemplified the training division's core values of strong leadership, effective partnerships, professional excellence, acting with integrity and accountability, respecting and protecting individual rights, and earning the trust and confidence of the public.

The Core Values Award is sponsored by the WSP Memorial Foundation, and presented in honor of the most recent WSP trooper who gave their life in the line of duty. Today's award was given in honor of Detective Eric T. Gunderson, who died in the line of duty on Sept. 26, 2021. Trooper Gunderson's wife, Kami Gunderson, presented the award to Trooper Freund.