Fresh eyes on safety: Washington State Patrol troopers are sworn in by state Supreme Court Justice James Johnson during a graduation ceremony Friday in the Capitol Rotunda in Olympia. Thirty-seven troopers were given their commission cards by Gov. Chris Gregoire and patrol Chief John Batiste. The new troopers made the grade after a selective application process, background investigation and more than 1,000 hours of training. The graduates are being assigned to detachments across the state to begin a one-year probationary period. The patrol is putting an emphasis on recruitment to fill about 300 vacancies expected over the next five years as veteran troopers reach retirement age.
Section:Photo