P.O. Box 901, Prosser WA 99350 /wspmemorialfoundation@gmail.com / 360.597.4411

Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation

Fiscal Year Update - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022

 

We, the Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation, are entrusted to preserve the memory of Washington State Patrol fallen officers and to provide assistance to active and retired Washington State Patrol employees and their families in times of need.

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The Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation (WSPMF) was created in 1982.  We have provided more than $2.25 million in financial assistance to Washington State Patrol employees and their families. 

 

All proceeds from the annual memorial dinner are placed into our Fallen Scholarship Fund to provide assistance for the children and spouses of our fallen officers to attend college. The WSPMF has assisted nine children with their college expenses.  

 

Christian Frink, son of Steven Frink, who died in the line of duty on March 22, 1993, graduated from Western Washington University in 2012. 

 

Megan and Jim Saunders, children of Trooper James Saunders, who died in the line of duty on October 7, 1999, both attended the University of Washington. Megan graduated in 2018. Jim graduated in 2021. 

 

Emily, Erin, Kailey, Erik and Kyle, children of Detective Brent Hanger, who died in the line of duty on August 6, 2015, attended Western Washington University, University of Washington, and Skagit Valley College.  Emily, Erin and Kailey have graduated.  Erik is in his senior year at Western Washington University, and Kyle is in his sophomore year at Skagit Valley College. 

 

Gedeon Lagasse Padgett, son of Trooper S. Renee Padgett, who died in the line of duty on September 4, 2018, is in his sophomore year at Washington State University. 

 

The WSPMF has provided a total of $34,050 to Jim Saunders, Kailey and Erik Hanger,and Gedeon Padgett Lagasse to attend college this past year.  

 

The scholarship program for WSP employees, their spouses, and children is in its 31st year.  The WSPMF provided four new scholarships and seven renewable scholarships to families of the Washington State Patrol in the last fiscal year. Our scholarship assistance this year totals $11,000 and we were able to help 11 individuals with their educational expenses.

 

This year, in addition to scholarships, the WSPMF has provided $28,900 in assistance to WSP families.  While much of the assistance provided by the WSPMF is confidential in nature, the WSPMF is proud to disclose its involvement in the following activity:

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·        The 40th annual WSP Memorial Foundation dinner was held in April 2021 at the Hilton in Vancouver, WA. We had 365 attendees and through donations, our live and silent auction, we were able to raise $33,150.

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·        The WSPMF traveled to Washington DC for Police Week in May 2022, along with the Gunderson family and Marcella, spouse of Trooper Renee Padgett.  The WSPMF also sent Detective Gunderson’s detachment to be able to honor him. 

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·        The WSPMF assisted the WSP Troopers Association with the Saunders Legacy Golf Tournament on July 15, 2022 in Kennewick, WA.  Following the golf tournament, there was a BBQ dinner and silent auction. The WSPMF held a 50/50 Pick a Pig raffle and we raised $500. 

 

The WSPMF currently has 481 contributing members, donating at least $10 per month. We have 589 supporting members, donating $5 per month.  To be a voting member of the WSPMF, you must contribute $10 per month or $5 per pay period.  This minimal deduction goes a long way toward helping WSP families in times of need.  If you would like to be a contributing member of the WSPMF, or would like to increase your monthly donation, please request the form from Megan King at wspmemorialfoundation@gmail.com or (360) 597-4411.

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The 41st Annual Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation Dinner will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, WA.  Our dinner will follow the Jim Saunders Legacy Golf Tournament that will take place on Friday, July 14, 2023, also in Kennewick, WA.  Please join us to remember those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.  

 

Note:  Please visit the WSPMF website at the following link for ticket information and hotel reservations: https://www.wspmf.org/events – all proceeds from the dinner are placed into our Fallen Scholarship Fund.