The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) announced a multistate emphasis patrol Sept. 22 in honor of fallen Trooper Christopher Gadd.
According to the press release, the honorary patrol begins Friday, Sept. 26.
Gadd was killed by an impaired driver on Interstate 5 north of Marysville on March 2, 2024. According to the release, Gadd had messaged his detachment members prior to the incident, saying he was going to meet up with them for a break after “One More Stop.”
After sending the message, Gadd pulled to the shoulder of I-5 just north of his detachment office, where an impaired driver traveling over 100 mph crashed into the back of his patrol car.
In honor of Gadd’s dedication and sacrifice, WSP and WTSC will host its patrol titled “One More Stop” from 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, to 5 a.m., Monday, Sept. 29.
“This emphasis patrol is not just about enforcement, it’s about remembrance,” WSP Chief John Batiste said in the release. “Trooper Christopher Gadd served this community with honor, courage, and an unwavering commitment to keeping others safe. As we take to the streets in his name, we do so with heavy hearts and clear purpose: to carry forward his memory and ensure that his sacrifice is never forgotten.”
According to the release, the patrol will include officers across the state working together — as well as participation from agencies in Oregon and Idaho — to conduct traffic stops in Gadd’s honor. These patrols are intended to reinforce the agencies’ shared mission of reducing dangerous driving behaviors to save the lives of those traveling on our roadways.
“Law enforcement officers work tirelessly to make our roads safer. We can honor them and keep them safe, too, by driving sober and following the speed limit,” said Shelly Baldwin, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. “High visibility patrols are an important reminder that we each have the power to keep ourselves and others safe on our roads.”
For more information about the WSP and the WTSC, visit wsp.wa.gov, wtsc.wa.gov or togetherwegetthere.com.
