Thank you, Washington State Patrol

Trooper Tony Radulescu

We are extremely saddened to learn of the death of Trooper Tony Radulescu, a 16-year veteran of the Washington State Patrol. Trooper Radulescu was killed early this morning while conducting a traffic stop near Bremerton.

With all the late nights, heated debates, and passionate testimony that go on during the legislative session, we occasionally need to step back and reflect that none of it would happen without a safe and secure environment to conduct business.

That safety and security for the legislature and the entire Capitol campus is, in large part, provided by the Washington State Patrol.

Uniformed troopers are regularly seen in the rotunda, patrolling the campus in their vehicles, and walking the hallways of the office buildings. One of the most impressive days in Olympia is the day when graduating cadets are given the keys to their patrol cars, which are all lined up on the campus diagonal streets.

Most days on campus are pretty routine. But late last year, hundreds of extra troopers were called in to provide security during the Occupy Olympia protests at the Capitol.

For the entire event, the WSP officers went about their jobs with extreme professionalism and dignity. Lawmakers, legislative staff, the general public, and the 3,000 Occupy demonstrators, remained safe thanks to the brave men and women in our law enforcement community.

Our thoughts are with Trooper Radulescu’s family and friends and with the entire WSP family during this difficult time.

Thank you, Washington State Patrol, and thank you to the thousands of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who risk their lives to keep us safe. We couldn’t do our jobs if you didn’t do yours.

To read this story in Spanish, click here.