A big congratulations to our newest Washington State Patrol (WSP) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers (CVEOs)! The 17th CVEO Basic Training Class was sworn in by Chief John R. Batiste on Oct. 20, 2022.  The day prior, the CVEOs had their badge-pinning ceremony and celebrated their accomplishments with family and friends.

CVEOs strive to make Washington roadways the safest in the nation. Through education and enforcement, CVEOs work to ensure compliance of commercial motor vehicle regulations in order to protect infrastructure, prevent accidents and save lives.  This is accomplished by conducting driver and vehicle inspections and enforcing size, weight, and load laws.

The newly graduated CVEOs completed 24 weeks of training: 14 weeks of classroom at the WSP Academy in Shelton and 10 weeks in the field alongside a field training officer. This time afforded each new officer the knowledge, skills, and hands-on learning opportunities needed to become well versed in the laws and regulations safeguarding commercial motor vehicle operation in Washington State.

Topics of study included the laws and regulations for commercial motor vehicle weight, size, and equipment safety; hazardous materials; driver and vehicle licensing; permitting requirements and more. The officers also completed the academy’s emergency vehicle operator course, firearms certification, and defensive tactics courses.

The new graduates of the 17th CVEO Basic Class include:

Officer Laura E. Carlson, assigned to Bow Hill Port of Entry

Officer Aaron M. Cliffton, assigned to School Bus – West Region

Officer Yevgeniy A. Hawkinson, assigned to School Bus – North Region

Officer Erick S. Juma, assigned to School Bus – North Region

Officer Donald J. Kean, assigned to Ridgefield Port of Entry

Officer Levi M. Krout, assigned to Ridgefield Port of Entry

Officer Bree S. Maher, assigned to Ridgefield Port of Entry

Officer Christopher D. Sebastian, assigned to Ridgefield Port of Entry

Members of the 17th CVEO Basic Class earned additional recognitions for a number of categories, including:

Firearms: Officer Christopher D. Sebastian

Defensive Tactics: Officer Christopher D. Sebastian

Academics: Officer Aaron M. Cliffton

Driving Award: Officer Laura E. Carlson

2022 Core Values Award: Officer Aaron M. Cliffton

Congratulations to our new CVEOs!  We thank them for their dedication, hard work, and service with humility.

If you missed the ceremony, you can watch it here.

Those interested in a career as a WSP CVEO can find out more about the career and hiring process by visiting here.

Additional photos from the ceremony: