Washington State Patrol, Olympia, WA (2026)

05/31/2026

Today we remember Trooper Sean O’Connell Jr.

Sean M. O'Connell Jr. was born on September 10, 1974, in West Islip, New York, to Diane Tufaro and Sean O'Connell Sr. He spent his formative years attending Pawling High School in New York before moving to Washington State. O'Connell continued his education by attending Olympic College and the University of Phoenix, earning an Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice.

His life of service to his community and country began with the United States Navy in October 1992. O'Connell served over four years and participated in the liberation of Kuwait following Operation Desert Storm, earning numerous awards and commendations.

After the military, O'Connell's desire to continue to serve lead him to the Washington State Patrol. Hired as a trooper cadet on July 15, 1998, O'Connell became a member of the 82nd Trooper Basic Training Class. Trooper O'Connell was commissioned on March 1, 1999, and assigned to Marysville. He joined the Marysville motors unit in May 2012. Trooper O'Connell's tenure with the patrol included being selected as Trooper of the Year in 2003.

Trooper Sean M. O'Connell, Jr., died on May 31, 2013, at the age of 38. The Skagit River Bridge had collapsed just a week prior, creating an increase of traffic on arterial roads being utilized as detours. Trooper O'Connell was riding his motorcycle, checking the length of the back up in Conway in the area of Fir Island Road and Greenfield Street when he was struck and killed by a box truck. At the time of his death, Trooper O'Connell had served almost 15 years with the Washington State Patrol.

Trooper O'Connell's wife, Alissa, lives in Snohomish with their two children, Kian (age 20) and Miley (age 17). Kian is attending Everett Community College. Miley is currently a senior. His father, Sean O'Connell, Sr., and step-mom, Rita, split their time between their homes in New York and Florida. Sean's mother, Diane Tufaro and her spouse, Carole, built a home in Massachusetts. Sean's brother Francis is an emergency doctor and his wife, Maripili, is a global recruiter for IRC (International Rescue Committee). They live with their three children in Arlington, Virginia. Sean has two younger sisters. Julia, graduated from Ross University with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Lauren graduated Siena College in Loudonville, New York, with her degree in engineering. She works with Glumac/Tretra Tech Engineering Firm in Seattle. Their mother, Loretta O'Hara, who was also Sean's mom as he was growing up, lives in Pawling, New York. Sean's grandmother, Virginia, lives in Massapequa, New York and will turn 100 in September.

On December 6, 2013, the new Skagit River Bridge was named in honor of fallen Trooper Sean M. O'Connell, Jr., preserving his memory in a place traveled daily by countless members of the public. This enduring dedication stands as a reminder of his service, his sacrifice, and the legacy he left behind.

On May 30, 2014, a dedication ceremony of the memorial to honor and remember Trooper Sean M. O'Connell, Jr., was held at the Marysville District Office. When you visit the Marysville District Office, take a moment to stop by the beautiful memorial that was created in remembrance of Trooper O'Connell.

In May of 2014, Trooper O'Connell was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for his actions on May 31, 2013, by the Law Enforcement – Medal of Honor Committee.

In May 2023, a ceremony was held at the Marysville District Office to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Trooper O'Connell's sacrifice. The event provided an opportunity for reflection and remembrance, honoring his service and the enduring legacy he left within the Washington State Patrol and the community he served.

Please take a moment to remember Trooper O'Connell and his family.

05/31/2026

May’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month might be wrapping up, but the real riding season is just heating up. As summer approaches, the roads are going to get more crowded with motorcyclists, and keeping them safe is a shared responsibility!

🏍️ Motorcyclists:

- Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear.

- Complete rider education courses and ride with a valid motorcycle endorsement.

- Stay visible using headlights, reflectors, and reflective clothing.

- Follow traffic laws and obey speed limits.

- Never ride impaired or distracted.

- Ride defensively.

🚙 Motorists:

- Always check your blind spots.

- Allow plenty of space for motorcycles to maneuver or stop.

- Remember that motorcyclists have the same rights on the road as any other motorist.

- Always follow traffic laws and obey speed limits.

- Stay alert and never drive impaired or distracted.

05/30/2026

UPDATE - Silver Alert - Stambaugh - Ione, WA
*THIS POST IS NOT MONITORED. IF SEEN PLEASE CALL 911*

05/28/2026

For years, Luciano Ailon-Garcia was wanted for vehicular homicide, hit and run death, and vehicular assault after he was traveling at an extremely high rate of speed when he failed to negotiate a left-hand curve in the roadway. The vehicle traveled off the roadway and vaulted approximately 80 feet, coming to rest in a raspberry field.

One passenger, Georgianna James, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. A second passenger suffered fractures to his ribs as a result of the collision. Ailon-Garcia fled the collision scene and eluded law enforcement for years.

Ailon-Garcia fled to Guatemala, and investigators have confirmed he is now deceased. Georgianna’s family was notified, and we hope this information can bring some measure of closure to them. Closing this case is another example of the dedication of our Criminal Investigation Division and their commitment to pursuing justice, no matter how much time has passed.

The Washington State Patrol is currently updating our Most Wanted list, which can be found on our website or https://wsp.wa.gov/crime/wsp-most-wanted/. If you have information about any individual or case, please contact us.

05/26/2026

Today we remember Patrolman Thomas Hanlin.

Thomas James Hanlin was born August 21, 1906, to John and Eva Hanlin, in Tacoma, Washington. He was the third of seven children: Nelda J., Paul, Thomas, Margaret, Gene, Marion, and Helen. Hanlin attended school in South Prairie and graduated from Buckley High School.

At 17-years-old, Hanlin started work at the Northern Pacific Railway Company as a brakeman. He left the company in 1925 and worked as a brakeman at St. Paul and Tacoma Lumber Company for 12 years.

Hanlin married Francis B. Pratt on March 8, 1928, in Pierce County. The couple raised a son, Terrill Thomas.

Patrolman Hanlin was commissioned with the Washington State Highway Patrol on August 17, 1937, under the command of Chief William Cole, assigned to Bellingham.

Three years after his commission, Patrolman Hanlin was involved in a serious collision on the Mount Baker Highway near Deming. Patrolman Hanlin was responding to a two-car collision in his paddy wagon when he lost control on the snow-blanketed pavement and flipped.

Initially his injuries were believed to be minor – mainly bumps and bruises – but diagnosis later revealed he suffered from a head injury. Patrolman Hanlin underwent surgery at the Mayo Clinic Institute in Rochester, Minnesota, to remove a blood clot in his brain. Recovery took six months.

Patrolman Hanlin returned to Washington and was reassigned to Tacoma in 1942, where he was involved in the schoolboy safety program.

Patrolman Hanlin died May 26, 1945, in Tacoma, at the age of 39, after fighting an illness for several months. His death occurred nearly five years after his collision. He was survived by his wife and son.

Patrolman Hanlin was an uncle to Retired Trooper Don Pratt, great uncle to Trooper Cliff Pratt (Homeland Security Division, Bomb Squad Commander), and first cousin to Retired CVEO Fred Soper. Patrolman Hanlin’s widow, Fran Hanlin, went to work for the patrol as a secretary in District 1 after his death. Fran passed away on January 5, 1996.

On May 23, 2025, troopers gathered at the Tacoma District Office to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Patrolman Hanlin’s line-of-duty death. A moment of silence was observed in his honor, and a floral wreath was placed in tribute to his service and sacrifice. The ceremony stood as a reflection of the department’s continued commitment to remembering those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Please take a moment to remember Patrolman Hanlin and his family.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage, dedication, and legacy will never be forgotten.

05/24/2026

Today we remember Trooper Glenda Thomas.

Glenda D. Thomas was born on October 28, 1955, in Pasco, Washington to parents Glenn Wallace Votendahl and Ruth Warner. She attended schools in the Tri-Cities area, graduating from Columbia High School in Burbank in 1973.

Before beginning her career with the Washington State Patrol, Thomas was the proud mother of two children: daughter, Jessica and son, Jason.

Thomas joined the Washington State Patrol on July 18, 1983, as a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer in Yakima. She transferred to Yakima Communications four months later, then to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Weight Control in Kennewick on January 3, 1984, and to her assignment at the Kennewick Vehicle Identification Lane in March 1984. Each move put Thomas one step closer to her true calling – to become a Washington State Trooper.

Trooper Glenda Thomas graduated on December 5, 1984, with the 60th trooper cadet class, assigned to the Seattle Freeway.

Trooper Glenda Thomas died on May 24, 1985, at the age of 29. She was killed while investigating a multi-vehicle collision on the north Seattle freeway. Trooper Thomas was standing between two vehicles at the collision scene when another car rear-ended one of the vehicles involved in the earlier collision, pinning her between two automobiles. At the time of her death, Trooper Thomas had served only six months as a Trooper with the Washington State Patrol.

Trooper Thomas' daughter, Jessica, lives in the Spokane area. She lives with her husband, Clint, and her three youngest children and her two bonus children. Fyn (16) Ella (14) and Addy (12), Josline (18) and Camilla (20). In their spare time, they stay busy chasing their daughter, Ella, from field to field watching her play travel softball. Her daughter Andrea (MSW, LSWAIC) (27) lives in Seattle with her partner, Reyes. Andrea graduated with her master's and is currently employed as a Social Worker in palliative care and as a therapist in private practice. Jessica's son, Joey, is a Police Officer with the Kennewick Police Department. Joey and his wife, Ana, had their first daughter, Charlotte, in October 2025. Jessica's son, Eric, is working in sales in Pasco. Jessica is over the moon with her first grandchild; to say she is excited about her new role as a GiGi is an understatement.

Trooper Thomas' son, Jason, a shop manager with Irrigation Specialists lives in Pasco with his wife, Tammy. They stay busy raising chickens and have their BBQ pellet business, Premier BBQ Supply, up and running with Facebook. Their son, Cason (15) is a sophomore, eagerly waiting for summer to get more fishing time in with his mom and dad. When he is not attending to his online school, you will find him working at a local hay farm. Their oldest son, Cody (22) is working alongside his dad as a welder with Irrigation Specialists. Cody and his fiancé, Kambrea, are getting married this September. They are very excited for their new adventure.

Trooper Thomas' parents, Ruth and Glenn, raised Jessica and Jason. Glenn passed away in 2008, and Ruth passed away in 2014.

In May of 1997, Trooper Thomas was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for her actions on May 24, 1985, by the Law Enforcement – Medal of Honor Committee.

On Friday, May 20, 2016, a dedication ceremony of the memorial to honor and remember King County Troopers was held at the Bellevue District Office. When you visit the Bellevue District Office, take a moment to stop by the beautiful memorial that was created in remembrance of King County Troopers.

On May 23, 2025, a ceremony was held at the Bellevue District Office to honor Trooper Thomas and commemorate the 40th anniversary of her line-of-duty death. Colleagues, family, and members of the community gathered to reflect on her life, her dedication to service, and the lasting impact she made on those around her.

Please take a moment to remember Trooper Glenda Thomas and her family.

05/23/2026

Endangered Missing Person - Tellez - Everson, WA *THIS POST IS NOT MONITORED. IF SEEN PLEASE CALL 911*

05/22/2026

Don’t turn your red, white, and blue weekend into red and blue lights behind you.

Make good choices this weekend:

- Buckle up

- Drive sober

- Follow the speed limit

- Drive distraction-free

- Stay alert and watch for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians

Plan ahead and know before you go. WSDOT’s annual travel time charts are here! View them at https://bit.ly/4v5Ejkb

05/21/2026

Last week, law enforcement agencies from across the country, including the Washington State Patrol, traveled to Washington, D.C. to honor the fallen during National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Several events take place throughout the week, including a candlelight vigil where the newly added names of fallen officers are read aloud. This year, 363 fallen heroes were honored, including fallen Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, whose name was added to the memorial wall. WSP Honor Guard members, Trooper Guting’s detachment, family, and friends were there to honor her and the other fallen officers.

The fallen will never be forgotten, and their legacy continues to live on through those who carry the badge and those who carry their memory.

Washington State Patrol

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