Gig Harbor Man Among 37 Troopers to Graduate WSP Training

Thirty-seven Washington State Patrol Troopers were sworn in by Washington State Supreme Court Justice James Johnson in Olympia Friday morning. Gov. Christine Gregoire and Chief John R. Batiste were also on hand to present the graduates with their commission cards.

The 100th graduating class included James R. O'Connor from Gig Harbor. His final assignment will be in Bremerton, according to the press release.

After completing more than 1,000 hours of training, these men and women will join Washington’s premier law enforcement organization. The Washington State Patrol Academy only produces approximately three cadet classes each biennium, which accounts for about 120 new troopers. 

Historically, only about four to six percent of the total number of applicants makes the grade to become WSP Troopers. 

“The 37 cadets graduating today endured a rigorous application process, extensive background investigation, and received the best training, unmatched anywhere else in the nation,” said Chief John Batiste. “Today, they will join the ranks of Washington’s finest, as troopers of the Washington State Patrol.”