Elma’s Patrick Mariakis was among 37 Washington State Patrol troopers who were sworn in at a ceremony held Aug. 3, at the Capitol Rotunda. Mariakis is now assigned to District 8 in Hoquiam.

The new WSP troopers were sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court, Barbara A. Madsen, and were presented their commission cards by Governor Jay Inslee and Chief John Batiste.

“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 Batiste. “Today, they will join the ranks of Washington’s finest, as troopers of the Washington State Patrol.”

Trooper Michael Newton received the core values award, while the top driving award was presented to Trooper Joseph Campbell. The top firearms award was given to Trooper Michael Pease and the top fitness/control tactics award was presented to Trooper Addison Schahfer. The top academic award was presented to Trooper Michael Pry and the top collision award was presented to Trooper Joshua Regan. The overall cadet award was given to Schahfer.

The Washington State Patrol Academy produces approximately three cadet classes each biennium, which accounts for about 100 to 120 new troopers. Historically, only about four to six percent of the total number of applicants makes the grade to become WSP troopers.

Cadets must complete over 1,000 hours of training before graduating. This was the 106th trooper basic training class graduation.

The Washington State Patrol began 95 years ago on June 21, 1921, with just six troopers riding Indian motorcycles.