“One fifteen, first on scene,” the 115th Trooper Basic Training Class (TBTC) chanted in the echoey Washington State Capitol Rotunda.  It was a familiar feeling seeing family, friends, and supporters gather to celebrate the graduates at the Rotunda.  The 115th TBTC was the first class to have their graduation ceremony in the Rotunda since the pandemic started. 

After completing over 1,400 hours of rigorous training, Justice Helen Whitener swore in the 44 men and women, making them the newest troopers to join the WSP.

Both Governor Jay Inslee and Chief Batiste reminded the class that they are entering a noble profession that will require them to always perform at their very best and serve with the humility that makes a good law enforcement officer. “Our agency has received the highest level of accreditation for law enforcement in the world,” stated Chief Batiste. “We will count on you to live up to that honor and meet those standards in all that you do and say. But it will always be your honesty, character, courage, compassion, and professionalism that makes a difference in the lives of the people we serve.”  Afterward, the troopers were presented their commission cards by Governor Jay Inslee.

As a collective, the 115th TBTC has contacted over 8,000 motorists. They have removed nearly 700 DUI drivers from the roadways, investigated over 650 collisions, and assisted almost 2,000 stranded motorists in need of help.  We know these troopers will continue to educate, save lives, and make a difference.

During the ceremony, the Core Values Award was presented to Trooper Nicholas R. Jones.  The Core Values Award is determined by an anonymous vote of the cadet’s classmates and presented to the trooper cadet who most exemplifies the training division’s core values.  These values include strong leadership, effective partnerships, professional excellence, acting with integrity and accountability, respecting and protecting individual rights, and earning the trust and confidence of the public.

The Core Values Award honors the most recent WSP commissioned officer to give their life in the service to the citizens of the state of Washington.  Detective Eric T. Gunderson died in the line of duty on September 26, 2021. 

The day prior, Academy Captain Robert W. Sharpe presented several other outstanding troopers with awards.

Top Academic Award

Presented to Trooper Maxwell A. Puff; this award recognizes the outstanding efforts of the cadet who attains the highest grade point average compiled over 30 exams and quizzes.

Top Driving Award

Presented to Trooper Jared M. Gearhart; this award recognizes the highest level of proficiency with respect to driving skills and techniques, decision making and mindset, and steady and constant improvement through each phase of drivers training.

Top Firearms Award

Presented to Trooper Regan J. Klepac; this award recognizes the highest level of proficiency with all weapon systems, marksmanship scores and skills, and demonstration of sound judgement during practical encounter scenarios.

Top Physical Fitness Award

Presented to Trooper Javier Nunez III; this award recognizes the highest level of drive and tenacity in physical fitness testing and training.  The recipient of this award consistently performed at the top of the TBTC during physical training.

Top Control Tactics Award

Presented to Trooper Juan Martinez Jr.; this award recognizes the highest level of proficiency in control tactics techniques, to include self-defense, handcuffing, searching and the use of force thought process.

Top Collision Investigation Award

Presented to Trooper Adam J. Harlan; this award recognizes the highest level of proficiency regarding collision investigation, including mathematical computation, scene investigation, information and evidence gathering, report writing and teamwork.

Top Communications Award

Presented to Trooper Maxwell A. Puff; this award recognizes the highest level of efficiency of radio communications knowledge, based upon testing, and practical exercises.

Top Overall Cadet Award

Presented to Trooper Noah D. Baker; this award recognizes the trooper cadet who demonstrated great courage to overcome obstacles, unwavering dedication to stay focused in reaching their goals and their ability to give 100% in every aspect of their training.  Trooper Baker demonstrated the necessary skills, abilities and judgement to be an excellent trooper, and he made extra efforts to make continuous improvements.

We are proud of these new troopers and we’re honored they chose to serve with the Washington State Patrol.  We wish them a long, fun, and adventurous career!

If you were unable to attend or missed the livestream, you can watch here.

Below is a list of the Troopers’ names and their duty assignment out of the Academy.

TrooperAssignment
Ahlstedt, ConnorMarysville
Anwar, YasinMoses Lake
Apisit, PhirawatBellevue
Austin Jr., Robert GWenatchee
Baker, Noah DColfax
Capuli, BenjaminNaselle
Crites, SethKelso
DePew, Reece WShelton
Donnelly, Rachel KBellevue
Donwen, Nicholas WMarysville
Farias-Ramos, AngelMoses Lake
Fonseca Delgadillo, Juan CShelton
Freeman, Benjamin MPort Towsend
Gearhart, Jared M Forks
Goetsch, Blake JMarysville
Gonzalez, Airan ABellevue
Gross, Isaiah XTacoma
Harlan, Adam JBellevue
Hoeft, Connor JColfax
Husain, Isaiah ZShelton
I’Amanu, Gregory ABellevue
Jaderlund, Travis aBurlington
Jones, Nicholas RBellevue
Kinne, Lukas BBremerton
Klepac, Regan JBellevue
Leach, McKenzy HHoquaim
Lotse Tesse, Joel UMarysville
Martinez Jr., JuanTacoma
Maton, Anthony DGoldendale
Michael, Ryan AWenatchee
Mungia, Yobani LMarysville
North, Erik BMonroe
Northrop, Michael DMarysville
Nunez III, JavierBellevue
Oliver, Isaiah RMonroe
Ostrovsky, DimitryBellevue
Parker, Max LMarysville
Parmentier, Joshua RGoldendale
Puff, Maxwell AOkanogan
Rimando, Jason NBremerton
Shaposhnikov, LevBellevue
Smith, Rommie LMarysville
Vasatka, Calli MBremerton
Warner, Jonathan CMonroe