Tony Overman/The Olympian
Forty-nine troopers from the Washington State Patrol Academy are sworn in Friday morning during graduation ceremonies in the Capitol Rotunda. It was the 87th graduation in the agency's history.

Tony Overman/The Olympian
Trooper Grant Campbell, a 1996 graduate of Capital High School, receives congratulations from training officers during the graduation ceremonies. About 5 percent of those who apply to the trooper training program are commissioned.

State welcomes 49 new troopers

FARHANAZ KERMALLI, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Saturday, March 16, 2002

OLYMPIA -- They stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the Capitol Rotunda on Friday, marking the end of a challenging journey and the beginning of a new career.

About 400 well-wishers stood in the balconies and peered down at 49 men and women clad in the distinctive blue uniforms of the Washington State Patrol.

The 49 graduated from the cadet basic training class and became state troopers Friday morning.

A long road

The 87th graduation ceremony in the agency's history was the end of the intensive training course that all troopers must go through.

"Today you join a noble tradition of public service that stretches back to 1921," Gov. Gary Locke said in his address. "It won't get you fame, but it will fulfill and challenge you."

Locke recognized the parents and friends who supported the cadets through their training.

"From now on, the flashing blue and red lights in your rearview mirror just might belong to your son or daughter," Locke said.

Applicants for the trooper training program first complete written and oral exams, background checks and seven weeks of weapons training.

Cadets then spend eight to 12 months studying and working with troopers.

The final stage is a 1,300-hour training course, which includes driving, collision investigation and firearm instruction.

About 5 percent of those who apply earn their commission cards.

As the first graduate to accept her card, Tricia Krantz ended a program that she began as a cadet in October 2000.

"It's been a long process and a lot of work," the Lacey resident said.

As one of five women in the graduating class, Krantz said she felt an overwhelming equality among her peers.

"I just feel like all the other troopers."

Olympia resident Grant Campbell said his first two weeks of training were the most challenging.

"You have to come together as a team," Campbell said. "I can't even explain how it feels," he said of graduating.

Graduate Matthew Black, whose road to the ceremony was a long one, said he felt "Great. Fantastic."

"It took me three years to get here," said the Tacoma resident, who endured an injury and medical exams before beginning the course.

Diversity valued

Military or law enforcement backgrounds are not required to become a cadet. Many have college degrees and other work experience.

"Specifically for this class, there was the diversity that is really a value to our agency," said spokesman and State Patrol Capt. Glenn Cramer. "We found that the more diverse that our cadet classes are, the more successful our agency is."

Instructors "work long hours and are so committed," said Capt. Mike Matlick, commander of the training division.

"You are standing there watching the continuation of an agency that's basically been your whole life, your whole career."

On the Web:

- Washington State Patrol

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