Yesterday, Chief John R. Batiste promoted two individuals who have gone above and beyond, and live up to our motto, “Service with Humility.”

We attempted to livestream the event, but due to connectivity issues, the livestream failed.  We want to apologize to the promotees, their loved ones, and the viewers who wanted to watch the ceremony and celebrate virtually.

We are so proud of these two individuals and cannot wait to see them thrive in their new positions.

Richard Thompson

Promoted from Trooper in District 5 (Vancouver) to Sergeant in District 8 (Bremerton).  Sergeant Thompson has since transferred to District 5 (Kelso).

Richard was born in Roseburg, Oregon, and graduated from South Umpqua High School in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from Warner Pacific College in 2011.

Richard began his career with the Washington State Patrol on July 5, 2005, as a trooper cadet assigned to the Training Division.

On August 22, 2005, he transferred to District 2 – Bellevue.

Richard began training with the 93rd trooper basic training class on May 22, 2006.

On November 1, 2006, he became a commissioned officer, assigned to District 5 – Vancouver.

It is with distinct pleasure that we acknowledge and honor Richard’s promotion to RCW Sergeant assigned to District 8 – Hoquiam, effective October 16, 2020.

Alyssa McWhirt

Promoted from Communications Officer 3 in the Communications Division to Communications Officer 4 in the Communications Division.

Alyssa was born in Aberdeen, Washington.  She graduated from Montesano Junior-Senior High School in Montesano, Washington.  Alyssa attended Grays Harbor Community College where she received an Associate of Arts.  She then attended Washington State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.

Alyssa began her career with the Washington State Patrol as a Communications Officer on August 26, 2013, assigned to Bellevue Communications.

On August 26, 2014, Alyssa was promoted to a Communications Officer 1, remaining in Bellevue.

Alyssa was promoted to a Communications Officer 2 on October 16, 2015, with Bellevue Communications.

She transferred to the Communications training program in Olympia on August 1, 2018.

On November 16, 2018, Alyssa promoted to a Communications Officer 3, with the training program in Olympia.

It is with distinct pleasure that we acknowledge and honor Alyssa’s promotion to Communications Officer 4 with the communications training program, effective January 16, 2021.

Alyssa would like to thank her husband, Shane, for always encouraging her to be the best version of herself. Her parents Bob and Laura for their continued support and love; Heather and Vanessa for always providing an example of what strong leadership looks like, and for believing in her, and Randi and Bryden for always being flexible and creative, and making the team truly amazing.