State Troopers Given Awards One Honored For Drug Arrests, Other For Public Relations Work

Two local Washington State Patrol sergeants received special awards Thursday from their new chief, who flew in from Olympia to give the men a personal thumbs-up.

Sergeants Kris Boness and Chris Powell were recognized for their work, Boness for his relentless drug arrests in Ritzville and Powell for his efforts as a WSP public information officer.

The men “are standouts” in the agency, said WSP chief Annette Sandberg, who was appointed to her job in April.

Under Boness’ supervision, more felony drug arrests have been made by the WSP’s Ritzville office than any other detachment in the state, Capt. Jim LaMunyon said.

Practically every day, thousands of dollars in cars, guns and other items are being seized during drug arrests there, he said.

“That’s consistent, continual leadership and a focus on criminal activity,” LaMunyon said.

Boness’ work also is giving the WSP a reputation throughout the Northwest, Sandberg added.

“What he’s doing in Ritzville is well-known up and down the West Coast by law enforcement and criminals alike,” she said.

Boness received an engraved award for professional excellence, for which he gave everybody else credit.

Powell was given an award for improving the state patrol’s community relations by letting people know, through the media, what the WSP is all about.

Since Powell stepped in as the public information officer two years ago, LaMunyon said more stories about the WSP have appeared on television and the newspaper than ever before.

“His unselfish, tireless efforts say a lot for our agency,” Sandberg said. “It goes a long way for us.”

Powell, a 25-year veteran, is the only public information officer in the state who isn’t a lieutenant.

“I really do this out of pride for this organization,” Powell said, holding his plaque. “Recognizing our troopers is long overdue.”

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