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State Patrol Chief John Batiste has authorized troopers to wear the commemorative badge for one year, including the new 37 graduates.
“Graduating our 100th class of troopers is an amazing milestone,” Batiste said. “In the entire history of our agency, only about 3000 people have ever served as troopers. This badge is intended to honor every one of them.” The badge was designed by WSP trooper Eric Handley who wanted to incorporate the history of the agency, the blue and gold uniform colors, as well as WSP’s motto, “Service With Humility”.
Handley’s niece, Mychal Handley, an Evergreen State College student, assisted in the concept of the badge using her graphic design talent. The design was sent to C.W. Nielsen in Chehalis who manufactured the badge. The last time a badge other than the traditional badge was authorized to be worn by troopers was in 2003 celebrating Washington State’s 150th anniversary of becoming a territory.
