A 22-year-old Kent man joined 40 other Washington State Patrol troopers sworn in at the Capitol Rotunda in Olympia.
Matthew Gagley, a U.S. Marine Corp veteran, has been assigned to the District 2 office in Bellevue.
Associate Chief Justice Charles W. Johnson of the Washington State Supreme Court swore in the troopers on June 26. They were presented their commission cards by Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Chief John R. Batiste.
The Washington State Patrol Academy produces approximately three cadet classes each biennium, which accounts for about 100 to 120 new troopers. Historically, only about 4 to 6 percent of the total number of applicants make the grade to become troopers, according to a State Patrol news release. The cadets had to complete more than 1,000 hours of training.
“The 41 cadets graduating today endured a rigorous application process, extensive background investigation, and received the best training, unmatched anywhere else in the nation,” Batiste said.
The State Patrol started 98 years ago.
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