Washington State Patrol

Keep voting for in the America’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest!

To vote:

1. Visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BestLookingCruiser2024

2. Scroll to the bottom, find the dropdown menu, and select “Washington State Patrol”

3. Click done

Voting ends at 9:00 AM (PDT) on Monday, July 29, 2024. Voting can only be done once per device, so use all your devices to vote!

It's time to vote for America’s Best Looking Cruiser!

The American Association of State Troopers (AAST) is conducting its 11th annual "Best Looking Cruiser" contest, and WE NEED YOUR HELP to win!

Each state law enforcement agency is given the opportunity to submit a photo for the contest. The top 13 vote-getters will make the 2025 AAST calendar with the top cruiser adorning the cover. All calendar proceeds benefit the American Association of State Troopers Foundation.

To vote for :

1. Visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BestLookingCruiser2024

2. Scroll to the bottom, find the dropdown menu, and select “Washington State Patrol”

3. Click done

Voting ends at 9:00 AM (PDT) on Monday, July 29, 2024. Voting can only be done once per device, so use all your devices to vote!

Today we remember Trooper Clifford Hansell.

Clifford "Cliff" R. Hansell was born on August 1, 1961, in Milton, Florida. His family eventually moved to Illinois where he graduated from Arcola High School. At the age of 20, Hansell enlisted in the United States Army, serving three years as a member of the Airborne Ranger Unit.

The desire to serve led Hansell to the Washington State Patrol. Hansell's career began on December 30, 1985, as a trooper cadet with the Seattle Crime Laboratory. Hansell transferred to Mansion Security and three months later joined the 64th Trooper Cadet Class.

Trooper Cadet Hansell married Mary L. Baker in March of 1985, and divorced the following year. He married Lisa S. Marino on November 28, 1986, and became stepfather to Angela Marino.

Trooper Hansell was commissioned on January 9, 1986, assigned to South King County. He transferred the following month to Bellevue.

Tragically, Trooper Hansell would only serve six months as a commissioned trooper. Trooper Clifford Hansell died on July 22, 1987, at the age of 25 as a result of a collision with a semi-truck on North Central Avenue in downtown Kent. At the time of his death, Trooper Hansell had served 17 months with the Washington State Patrol.

Trooper Hansell's widow, Lisa, lives in Olympia and is married to Retired Sergeant Ken Harkcom, who is a detective sergeant for the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Trooper Hansell's stepdaughter, Angela, works for the WSP’s Information Technology Department in Olympia and is married to George Rutt, who works for the Navy in Bremerton. Her son, Kayden, is 13 years old and their daughter, Isabella, will turn nine in September. Clifford's dad and stepmom (John and Pat) live in California. His sister, Dyanna, resides in Marysville, California.

On May 20, 2016, a dedication ceremony of the memorial to honor and remember King County Troopers was held at the Bellevue District Office. When you visit the Bellevue District Office, take a moment to stop by the beautiful memorial that was created in remembrance of King County Troopers.

Please take a moment to remember Trooper Clifford Hansell and his family.

It takes everyone - including you – to ensure we all .

Help us reduce collisions and other incidents by choosing to:

- Drive sober
- Drive distraction-free
- Be on alert for vulnerable road users, like pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists
- Buckle up
- Follow the posted speed limit

In 2022, over 45,000 vehicles were reported stolen in Washington, averaging around 123 thefts per day.

Don’t let your vehicle be an easy steal! You can help keep your car safe:

- Don’t leave your car running.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Use an anti-theft device.
- Lock up every time.
- Park in well-lit areas.

For more information and tips, visit bit.ly/3DSeCeM.

It's time to vote for America’s Best Looking Cruiser!

The American Association of State Troopers (AAST) is conducting its 11th annual "Best Looking Cruiser" contest, and WE NEED YOUR HELP to win!

Each state law enforcement agency is given the opportunity to submit a photo for the contest. The top 13 vote-getters will make the 2025 AAST calendar with the top cruiser adorning the cover. All calendar proceeds benefit the American Association of State Troopers Foundation.

To vote for :

1. Visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BestLookingCruiser2024

2. Scroll to the bottom, find the dropdown menu, and select “Washington State Patrol”

3. Click done

Voting ends at 9:00 AM (PDT) on Monday, July 29, 2024. Voting can only be done once per device, so use all your devices to vote!

Don't let impaired driving take the wheel. There are no excuses for driving under the influence!

Since 2018, June, July, and August remain the highest consecutive 90-day stretch for traffic-related fatalities within Washington. The 90-day period, on average, accounts for 32% of all traffic deaths statewide, with impairment involved in 55% of summertime crashes.

Before you partake, plan a safe and sober ride: rideshare, use public transportation, have a designated driver, or stay at someone's house.

We’re still in the , and troopers continue to work hard to help ensure the roads are safe and that you and your loved ones arrive alive.

Help us create safe roads by:

- Driving sober

- Wearing your seatbelt

- Following the speed limit

- Checking your blind spots

- Putting distractions away

- Keeping a safe following distance

- Planning ahead

Join us in congratulating our newest promotees! Earlier this week, we held a promotional ceremony for six individuals who have taken on new leadership roles and responsibilities in our agency.

- Sergeant Robert Atkinson was promoted to Lieutenant.

- Trooper Jason Bart was promoted to Sergeant.

- Trooper Jeffrey Bridges was promoted to Sergeant.

- Trooper Joshua Griffith was promoted to Sergeant.

- Trooper David Smith was promoted to Sergeant.

- Ms. Mae Aguon was promoted to Fiscal Analyst 5 in our Budget and Fiscal Services Division.

Their dedication to their employees, the agency, and you – the people we serve – is admirable and unwavering, and we thank them for taking on the additional responsibility.

You can watch the live-streamed ceremony on our YouTube channel.

With the hot temperatures expected this weekend, please remember to .

According to NHTSA, pediatric vehicular heatstroke is one of the leading causes of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children 14 and younger.

The three main scenarios in which heatstroke occurs are:

- Children are forgotten in vehicles by parents or caregivers.
- Children gain access to unlocked vehicles and become trapped inside.
- Children are knowingly left in vehicles by parents or caregivers.

These three tips could save a child’s life:

- Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended.
- Make it a habit to look in the back seat every time you exit the car.
- Always lock the car and put the keys out of reach.

Happy 4th of July!

Have a fun and safe Independence Day, and please celebrate responsibly!

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office put together some firework safety and disposal tips for those who can celebrate with fireworks. For more information, visit https://wspinsideout.wordpress.com/2024/07/04/firework-safety-and-disposal-tips/.

The 119th Trooper Basic Training Class (TBTC) cadets participated in boxing day earlier this week, a long-standing tradition that every TBTC cadet undergoes.

The cadets are paired up and pushed through a rigorous workout focusing on their arms and shoulders, nearly to exhaustion. This exercise is meant to demonstrate to the cadets that with mental resilience, even when feeling completely exhausted, they still have more to give.

Today we remember Patrolman John Wright.

John Frank Wright was born on June 8, 1925, to Howard H. Wright and Carrie L. Linekin in Hilo, Hawaii. He had two brothers, Howard and Peter. His father supported the family by working as a salesman in an automotive garage.

At the age of 18, Wright joined the United States Air Force during World War II, serving from 1943 to 1946. He rose to the rank of sergeant while serving with the 15th Weather Squadron. The desire to serve his country and community continued after Wright's three year tour. He chose to join the Washington Highway Patrol, and was commissioned September 10, 1951, with the 16th Trooper Cadet Class, assigned to the Spokane Valley detachment.

Patrolman Wright died on June 28, 1953, at the age of 28. Patrolman Wright was outside his patrol car talking with a motorist on the shoulder of East Sprague at Barker Road in Greenacres. Both vehicles were at least four feet off the roadway when a driver sped past and struck Patrolman Wright. Patrolman Wright was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital, but sadly succumbed to his injuries four hours later. At the time of his death, Patrolman Wright had served 20 months with the Washington Highway Patrol.

Patrolman Wright was survived by his wife, Barbara Dianne, four-year-old son John F. and 15-month-old son Daniel L., as well as his parents, Howard and Carrie.

Patrolman Wright’s son Daniel L. was a chopper gunner in Vietnam. He passed away at the age of 38. His grandson, Daniel M. is a Marine veteran. He is currently working in real estate and resides in Spokane. His great grandson, Brayden is 21 years old and is the head photographer for Dorian Photography. His great granddaughter, Skyler, is 26 years old and works for Plantes Ferry Field. She has a two-year-old daughter, Wrenley Rose, with her husband, Kendall.

On May 11, 1998, Patrolman Wright was awarded the Washington Law Enforcement Medal of Honor, posthumously, for his actions on June 28, 1953, by the Law Enforcement – Medal of Honor Committee.

Two ceremonies were held on June 28, 2023, to honor the 70th anniversary of Patrolman Wright’s line of duty death. The first was a wreath laying at the District 4 Spokane Headquarters office. From there, everyone traveled to the intersection of Sprague and Barker for a memorial sign ceremony dedication. The sign, installed thanks to the Spokane's Fallen Officers Memorial Project, will be yet another lasting reminder of Patrolman Wright.

Please take a moment to remember Patrolman John Wright and his family.

⚠️ Heads up Lewis and Thurston County drivers! ⚠️

Two-mile sections of northbound I-5 will be REDUCED to ONE lane this week.

Work is planned from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 24-27. WSDOT will start at the Lewis County line and will work north.

Please prepare for major backups, postpone travel, plan alternate routes, and pack your patience!

I-5 in southern Thurston County has seen better days. We’re planning several repairs. That’s why we’re asking you to plan extra travel time starting Monday, June 24.

Here’s the specifics: Two-mile sections of northbound I-5 will be reduced to one lane. Work is planned from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 24-27. We start at the Lewis County line and will work north.

The lane closures let us to fill gaps in the roadway surface and fix potholes.

We close two-mile sections of I-5 at a time to make the repairs even faster. This is due to the time it takes to set up lane closures.
So, please prepare for long backups. Yes, we know it’s in the heart of the summer travel season. This kind of work can’t be done during the winter months.

Please add up to two hours of extra travel time to help prevent delays. Also, consider postponing discretionary trips. Travel early in the morning or later at night. Carpool, use transit or telework if possible.

What does the roadway to your future look like?

For the second time ever, we are accepting lateral hires from other law enforcement agencies in and out of Washington State.

As a lateral hire, you are already a certified law enforcement officer. With your prior training, you will undergo a streamlined WSP academy experience, ensuring a smooth transition to becoming a WSP trooper.

Have questions or want more information? Visit https://www.wsp.wa.gov/lateral-class/.

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, is a significant and joyous occasion marking the end of slavery in the United States. It is a powerful reminder of resilience, liberation, and perseverance.

The mission of is to keep our roadways safe. The success of that mission takes a team effort, which includes you! Help create safe roads for everyone by making good choices every time you get behind the wheel.

Since 2018, June, July, and August remain the highest consecutive 90-day stretch for traffic-related fatalities within Washington. Data from Target Zero shows that between 2018 and 2023, law enforcement agencies across the state responded to an average of 67 fatal crashes per month in June, July, and August.

Please do your part so everyone can :

• Drive sober
• Follow the speed limit
• Drive distraction-free

Removing impaired drivers from our roadways is one of the many ways we keep our roadways safe. This week, trooper cadets focused on detecting impairment.

The cadets have spent hours learning about impairment and standardized field sobriety tests (SFST), and today, they practiced detecting impairment in the "wet lab." The goal of the wet lab is to apply the lessons learned in the classroom in a practical situation.

During the wet lab, volunteers are brought into a controlled environment and provided with dosed amounts of alcohol to get them to a target breath alcohol concentration (BAC). Once the volunteers reach a certain BAC, the cadets enter the wet lab environment and perform SFSTs on the volunteer drinkers. Halfway through the experience, the lights are turned off so the cadets can practice SFSTs in a “night” setting. To simulate real interactions, the cadets test different volunteers, as each volunteer has a different BAC and will show different impairment indicators.

With classmates by their side and experienced Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) watching, the cadets make an arrest determination based on their observations and the clues they see during the process. After the wet lab, the cadets and their instructors debrief.

This , we honor and remember the individuals whose lives have been lost or affected by objects falling from an unsecured vehicle load.

In Washington state, unsecured loads cause about 300 crashes and 30 injuries a year. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that in 2019, crashes involving road debris resulted in 739 deaths and over 17,000 injuries.

will conduct emphasis patrols across the state this month for a joint campaign with the Washington Department of Ecology, Target Zero, and WSDOT. One of the quickest and easiest ways to prevent litter and keep roadways safe is to secure your vehicle’s load before every trip.

For tips, resources, and additional information, visit SecureLoadsWA.org or SujetaTuCargaWA.org.

Join us in congratulating our newest promotees! Earlier today, we held a promotional ceremony for two individuals who have taken on new leadership roles and responsibilities in our agency.

Sergeant Scott Betts was promoted to Lieutenant.

Ms. Amy Jagmin was promoted to Forensic Scientist 5 in our Crime Laboratory Division.

Congratulations to Lieutenant Betts and Forensic Scientist 5 Jagmin! Their hard work is a testament to their dedication and service.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the ceremony.

Troopers from 's Aviation Unit were invited to participate in the Alaska Airlines Aviation Day at SeaTac Airport's Alaska Airlines Maintenance Hangar. The free event, geared towards youth ages 11 to 18, provided an opportunity for them to engage with industry professionals and learn about various aviation career paths.

Over 2,000 youth and adults attended the event, and our Aviation Unit had a great time presenting and showing the plane and educating attendees about the WSP mission and how we use our airplanes for public safety. Many people were surprised to learn that the WSP had and utilized airplanes for safety missions. We had a wonderful time and look forward to next year's event!

Drivers in Washington state continue to endure crashes due to debris from unsecured loads, with 300 crashes on average each year. This statistic remains consistent year to year, and in 2023 these crashes led to 16 injuries and tragically one death.

The Washington State Patrol, Target Zero, WSDOT, and the Washington Department of Ecology are partnering for a statewide and campaign during June.

Tips for secure loads:

1. Stock Up – Keep cargo nets, tarps, ropes, bungee cords, or straps in your truck to make sure you always have what you need to secure your cargo. You may need tie down hooks or eye bolts on your vehicle as well.

2. Strap Down – Securely fasten all large items directly to your vehicle, including tarps and covers.

3. Seal Tight and Cover – Make sure boxes, bags, and garbage cans are tightly closed and covered to keep contents from blowing away.

4. Get Organized – Lay tall items flat and put lighter cargo at the bottom of the load so heavier objects can hold them down.

5. Follow Through – Run straps through and around items – especially large items like hand trucks, ladders, furniture, and mattresses.

6. Tidy Up – Remove any loose pieces of trash from your truck, trailer, or boat that could blow out while driving.

7. Check Regularly – Nothing you’re hauling should be able to slide, shift, or fall out. If you hear whipping or rattling sounds while driving, stop and check your cargo.

To learn more about this campaign and how you can help keep Washington roads safe and litter free, visit SecureLoadsWA.org or SujetaTuCargaWA.org.

, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), and partner law enforcement agencies across the state are participating in a statewide “Surviving Summer: 90 Dangerous Days” campaign, with a goal of reducing serious injury and fatality collisions this summer.

Since 2018, June, July, and August remain the highest consecutive 90-day stretch for traffic-related fatalities within Washington.

The 90-day period, on average, accounts for 32 percent of all traffic deaths statewide, with impairment involved in 55 percent of summertime crashes. Other common contributing factors include speed (34 percent) and distraction (18 percent) during this three-month period.

Learn more about the campaign by visiting https://bit.ly/3QCqZCM.

December is one of our favorite times of year because we are honored to join other law enforcement agencies and military members in events across the state. This program pairs officers with kids to shop for the holidays. Each child is gifted money to buy presents for their loved ones and themselves.

We look forward to the other Shop with a Cop events scheduled throughout the rest of the month!

If you see road closed signs, please obey them, and do not go around them!

When you travel on open roads, remember to slow down, use your headlights and windshield wipers, and ensure you leave enough following distance.

Don’t forget to follow WSDOT and Public Information Officers (PIO) for road closures, incidents, and more.

WSDOT social media accounts: https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/mobile-app-and-social-media

WSP PIO’s social media accounts: https://www.wsp.wa.gov/media/