Emphasis Patrol honors fallen trooper

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Patrol will be holding a statewide emphasis patrol in honor of fallen Trooper Christopher Gadd on Friday, Sept. 27.

On March 2, 2024, Gadd was struck by an impaired driver on Interstate 5, north of Marysville.

Gadd messaged his detachment members he was going to meet them after “One More Stop,” and pulled to the shoulder north of his detachment office to seek out one more speeding, potential impaired driver to prevent a future tragedy.

The WSP is conducting the emphasis patrol titled “One More Stop” from 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 to 5 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28.

“Trooper Gadd was a fine young man with a big heart and passion to serve the community,” Washington Patrol Chief John R. Batiste said. “He made the ultimate sacrifice while working to make our roads a safer place.”

The emphasis patrol, in the spirt of Gadd’s work ethic and dedication, will have officers across the state working together to conduct traffic stops in his honor to reduce dangerous driving behaviors and save lives of those traveling on the roadways.

“With this emphasis, we honor his memory by continuing his efforts to protect the community he dedicated his life to,” said Batiste.