Washington State Trooper Graduation

April 16, 2008

*As Written*


Good Afternoon, and thank you Chief Batiste for the introduction.

I�d like to congratulate the 49 men and women who, as of today, can proudly wear the Campaign Hat of the Washington State Patrol.

You represent 49 more reasons why Washington is a safe place to live and raise a family.

You are joining a proud tradition that stretches back to 1921 -- when the Washington State Legislature decided it was time to bring some order and protection to our highways by creating the State Patrol.

This is a happy day for all of us � for you and your families as you embark on a life of important public service�

�And for all Washingtonians who truly respect and appreciate our Washington State Troopers for their dedication and bravery.

You know, as Governor, I spend a lot of time with Washington State Troopers � the men and women who travel with me.

So I know up close just how professional and capable our State Patrol is.

I know that the fresh faces before me today truly earned the right to wear the uniform of the Washington State Patrol.

You went through 16 weeks of very intense training at the Academy, and six weeks in the field, where you got some hands-on experience.

And training has definitely changed since 1921 when the first troopers were given a badge, a cap emblem, and a gun, and told to go patrol.

You get all the equipment -- but you also are trained in driving, firearms, legal responsibilities, state law, self-defense, collision investigation and much, much more.

You�ve earned the right to call yourselves professionals as you begin your new careers on highways all across our state.

Whether it�s keeping our roads and highways safe or investigating crimes, you of the Washington State Patrol continually put yourselves at risk as you keep Washingtonians safe.

Think about it. You put on a distinctive uniform, drive around in an identifiable vehicle and use a sophisticated 9-1-1 system to try and meet those people that the rest of us don�t care to meet.

Even if you never pull someone out of a burning car or apprehend a bank robber, you�re already heroes because of the position you�ve chosen to put yourselves in.

In my mind there is no more important job than what you do�

�You keep Washington families safe.

I also want to honor your families � your spouses and your kids.

I am acutely aware that law enforcement can make big demands on families � the long hours...the irregular schedules�the danger inherent in the work.

So the fact is, the families of our troopers are serving the families of Washington.

And I very much appreciate you family members for that � the sacrifices you make to support your husband or wife�your mother or father.

I�m proud of you all, and so are the people of Washington.

Be careful out there, and again, congratulations to each of you and your families.