State to coordinate ferry system security

SEATTLE – A new Washington State Patrol division will work with state and federal agencies to bolster security on the nation’s largest fleet of ferries, Gov. Christine Gregoire said Thursday.

The Vessel and Terminal Security Division will be a partnership linking the WSP, Washington State Ferries, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Steve Sutton, a 17-year veteran with the State Patrol, was named captain of VATS, which will be headquartered at the U.S. Coast Guard’s office at Pier 36, with satellite branches in Bremerton, Poulsbo and Marysville.