OLYMPIA- On September 14, 2017 members of the Washington State Patrol Troopers laid to rest former WSP Chief Robert W. Landon. The graveside ceremony took place at the Marysville Cemetery. Just one day earlier, WSP employees celebrated the life of former WSP Chief Robert W. Landon. The 84-year old passed away September 8, 2017, in Olympia, Washington. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, a son, three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Landon’s Celebration of Life service was held at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shephard in Olympia, Washington. WSP Honor Guard Troopers attended to the casket at the church service and presented Chief Landon’s son and daughter with American Flags. The event was attended by current WSP Chief John R. Batiste, members of the WSP Executive Team and other agency employees. Chief Batiste spoke about the fond experiences he had with Chief Landon.
Landon began his career at the WSP in 1953, as a Driver’s License Examiner, in Everett. In 1956, he was appointed as a Cadet at the Academy. The appointment came after returning from his military duty during the Korean War with the Navy aboard the USS WASP Aircraft Carrier. At the State Patrol, Landon worked his way up the ranks to the position of Training Academy Commander. In 1977, then Governor, Dixie Lee Ray, appointed him as Chief of the Washington State Patrol. He retired from the WSP in 1981, and was selected as head of the Montana Highway Patrol. In 1986, he was selected as President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. In 1989, he retired from the Montana State Patrol and moved back to Olympia to work for the Washington Association of Sheriff and Police Chief’s.
During his tenure at the WSP, Landon received numerous complimentary letters from citizens for his service to Washingtonians and he also received the Safe Driving Award for 15 years of safe driving experience.
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