The Target Zero Team initiative began, with a handful of troopers in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties working full time to look for impaired drivers. In the first 24 months, the data-driven patrols saved 109 lives. The program was so successful that the legislature secured funding and expanded it to include Spokane and Yakima Counties.
In July, the Patrol received re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), and received two additional honors; Meritorious Status (signifying accreditation for 15 more years) and Flagship Status (identifying WSP as a “mentor” for other agencies seeking their first accreditation).
WSP became active on several social media platforms during the year, including Twitter and YouTube, and launched a Facebook page the following year.
The Patrol suffered its single most tragic not in the life of duty losses. CO4 Anne Miller-Hewitt and her husband Trooper Gary Miller lived and worked out the Wenatchee office. Trooper Kristopher Sperry was fresh out of the academy, newly assigned to Wenatchee and had not yet found a place to live. The Miller’s had offered Trooper Sperry a place to stay until he got settled. On the morning of August 16, 911 received a call from Anne reporting the house was on fire and they were evacuating. Tragically, no one escaped the flames.