Two Kent men were among the 39 Washington State Patrol troopers sworn in on Wednesday in Olympia.
Kent’s Brandon Cote and Michael Patoc were sworn in by State Supreme Court Chief Justice Barbara Madsen. Gov. Jay Inslee gave the troopers their official commission cards. Cote and Patoc each were assigned to the Bellevue area.
The troopers completed more than 1,000 hours of training. The WSP Academy produces approximately two cadet classes each biennium, which accounts for about 60 to 120 new troopers. Historically, only about 4 to 6 percent of the total number of applicants makes the grade to become troopers.
“The 39 cadets graduating endured a rigorous application process, extensive background investigation, and received the best training, unmatched anywhere else in the nation,” said Chief John Batiste.
The graduation of the 103rd Trooper Basic Training Class was at the Capitol Rotunda, signaled by the stream of shiny white patrol cars parked in the lanes leading up to the Capitol steps.
The swearing in continued a tradition that began 93 years ago when six brave men kick-started their Indian motorcycles, strapped on an arm band, and started what is known today as the Washington State Patrol.
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