Gov. Gregoire congratulates WSP on award

August 12, 2008

*AS WRITTEN*

Good morning, and thank you Chief.

I�m very proud of you -- and of the men and women under your command.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police says you are the best police agency in the United States � bar none!

Amazing! And I�m glad to see that a highly respected group like the association is confirming what I already know.

Our State Patrol is the best in the country � and by the way, that�s up a notch from last year when you were honored as the best for your size.

I truly believe the linchpin of this great honor is you, Chief Batiste. Why? Because you inspire the brave men and women who work for you.

They truly like and respect you, and together, you and they are working extra hard to keep Washingtonians safe on our highways.

I could not have picked a better Chief, and I think our troopers agree with me.

This award is extremely competitive, and believe me, it isn�t given lightly � It isn�t because you�re the best dressed, (which of course, you are!)

It�s because you save lives � the lives of Washington families.

It�s because last year there were 70 fewer people killed on our highways � a 14 percent drop from 2006.

That�s 70 fewer families who didn�t have to weep over the loss of a loved one.

And though the award doesn�t involve your performance this year, I have to say it is some performance.

So far, there have been about 100 fewer fatalities when compared to the same period last year � a nearly 30 percent reduction!

The results speak for themselves � and a big reason is the Washington State Patrol � hard-working men and women out there 24/7 keeping our people safe.

Congratulations Chief.

Congratulations to the men and women of the State Patrol.

On behalf of all Washingtonians, I thank you for your dedication and service.