WSP adds a second motorcycle trooper in District 8

The Washington State Patrol now has another full-time motorcycle trooper in District 8, which serves Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties.

In total, the district will now have two full-time motors troopers and one alternate.

Motorcycle troopers are utilized to perform emphasis patrols as well as provide additional coverage for large-scale events and escort services. Motors units are a valuable tool to the agency as they can more easily maneuver through traffic when responding to collisions and can work heavily speeded areas that are too difficult for a larger patrol vehicle to operate. The WSP currently has 32 full-time motors positions throughout the state.

Motors units go through an extensive two-week training course at the WSP Training Academy in Shelton, as well as an additional two-week long coaching trip.

Motorcycle troopers date back to the very first Washington State Highway Patrol Officers who were sworn in on Sept. 1, 1921. The first six officers — Harold Lakeburg, Harry Harkins, Hentry Shunk, William Clark, Eugene Russell and George Potter — patrolled the streets on Indian motorcycles. Today’s motors troopers can be see riding Honda ST 1300s or BMW 1200 RT-P motorcycles.