Laughter rang through the Washington State Patrol headquarters this morning as former Troopers and Chiefs gathered to celebrate a woman who has been instrumental in shaping the Patrol into what it is today: Ms. Suzee Smith, Executive Assistant to Chief John Batiste.

After 32 years of service, Ms. Smith officially retired from the Washington State Patrol.

In front of a large crowd of both former and current Troopers, friends, family, and colleagues, Chief Batiste presented Suzee with a framed certificate and the newest Chief’s coin- which sports 29 stars to represent each of the fallen WSP Troopers. Assistant Chief Marc W. Lamoreaux also shared a letter of congratulations from Governor Jay Inslee himself.

After the reading of Suzee’s long and impressive resume, which is listed below, former Chiefs and colleagues shared loving stories of Suzee to a room packed with tear-filled eyes and warm smiles.

No words seemed grand enough to show appreciation for all of Suzee’s work and sacrifice to the agency. In the words of Chief Batiste himself, “we could never thank Suzee enough…thank you, thank you, thank you…did I mention thank you?”

Best of luck, Suzee- we will all miss you.

Suzee Smith and Chief John Batiste.
Suzee Smith and Chief John Batiste.
Suzee Smith and her family.
Suzee Smith and her family.
Suzee Smith and Chief John Batiste accompanied by former WSP Chiefs.
Suzee Smith and Chief John Batiste accompanied by former WSP Chiefs.
Suzee Smith with WSP Confidential Secretaries.
Suzee Smith with WSP Confidential Secretaries.

 

Suzee Smith Resume

Suzee was born in Spokane, Washington, and after moving to Olympia with her family, graduated from Olympia High School.  She went on to graduate from the Northwest College of Business in Portland, Oregon, where she obtained a Legal Secretary Degree.

  • Suzee began her employment with the Washington State Patrol on October 3, 1983, as a Secretary 1 – Shorthand, assigned to Administrative Services Division, working for Major Mike Feldhausen.
  • She promoted to Secretary 2 on July 22, 1985, as the Bureau Secretary for the Support Services Bureau and worked for Deputy Chief Mel Boston and Deputy Chief Richard Maltby.
  • On February 2, 1987, she transferred to the Office of the Chief and continued working with Deputy Chief Richard Maltby.
  • She then worked as the Secretary 2 in the Office of the Chief for Deputy Chief Rick Jensen.
  • On March 14, 1990, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 6327 which approved of establishment of four exempt bureau confidential secretarial positions within the Washington State Patrol. The Bureau Secretaries were in the Senate Gallery when this special legislation was passed.  They were even acknowledged and recognized by the Senate.  This legislation could not have happened without the support and extra efforts made by Chief George Tellevik and Deputy Chief Rick Jensen.
  • On June 6, 1990, her position was reallocated to an exempt Confidential Secretary and she continued working for Deputy Chief Richard Jensen.
  • Suzee received the Chiefs Award for Professional Excellence on September 17, 1991. This award recognized her work as the agency’s coordinator of the Washington State Savings Bond Drive.  She was also presented with the Department of the Treasury’s Award for Patriotic Service.  Suzee was also recognized for her assistance with the 1991 National Governor’s Association’s annual meeting.
  • In 1993, she continued working in the Office of the Chief as the confidential secretary to Major Bill Ford.
  • On June 5, 1994, she left the Washington State Patrol to take a position with the Office of the Administrator for the Courts.
  • She was asked to return to the Washington State Patrol on February 21, 1995, as a Confidential Secretary for Deputy Chief Edward Berry with the Support Services Bureau.
  • She was appointed by Chief Annette Sandberg as her Executive Assistant on April 10, 1995, and worked with her for the next six years.
  • Between February 2001 and February 2005, Suzee was the Executive Assistant for Acting Chief Robert Leichner, Acting Chief James LaMunyon, Chief Ronal Serpas, and Chief Lowell Porter.
  • On February 14, 2005, she became the Executive Assistant to Chief John Batiste.
  • She has had the pleasure of working directly for six Chiefs for the last 21 years.
  • Suzee is retiring after 32 years of dedicated service to the Washington State Patrol and a total of 34 years to the citizens of the state of Washington.

She would like to thank her wonderful family, husband Paul, son Brian, and daughter-in-law Trish, for their continued support throughout her career. She would also like to thank everyone for allowing her to be part of this special Washington State Patrol family for the last 32 years.