Trooper Padgett’s Road to Recovery

On a beautiful June day, dozens of people crowded Magnuson Park in Seattle to run in the sun and raise awareness for Multiple Myeloma— a rare form of cancer that has affected the Washington State Patrol (WSP) family.

In 2012, Trooper Renee Padgett from the WSP’s Commercial Vehicle Division was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma— a form of cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell present in your bone marrow.

“Trooper Renee Padgett is a dedicated and hardworking member of the Washington State Patrol” said Sergeant JD Strup. He adds, “With the intention of returning to full duty when medically cleared to do so…she has taken on this fight with discipline and a positive attitude. She will never quit.”

Now, four years and multiple sessions of chemotherapy, radiation, and a stem cell transplant later, Trooper Padgett is officially on her way to recovery; beating her second bout of cancer.

For those who know Trooper Padgett, it comes as no surprise that she faced every challenge, every surgery, and every day with an infectious smile on her face.

She flashed the same smile when WSP Chief John Batiste, Assistant Chief Jason Berry, and Sergeant JD Strup visited her at the Move More 5K run in Seattle last month. The Move More (MMORE) is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Multiple Myeloma through fun and inspiring community events.

The day celebrated Trooper Padgett’s road to recovery and a major professional milestone. Leaving his suit and tie at home, Chief Batiste sported a “Team Padgett” shirt to present Trooper Padgett with her 25-year service pin. Sergeant Strup says she has served the Washington State Patrol with pride and honor throughout her entire career.