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Trooper Clifford Hansell

Clifford "Cliff" R. Hansell was born on August 1, 1961, in Milton, Florida. His family eventually moved to Illinois where he graduated from Arcola High School. At the age of 20, Hansell enlisted in the United States Army, serving three years as a member of the Airborne Ranger Unit.

The desire to serve led Hansell to the Washington State Patrol. Hansell's career began on December 30, 1985, as a trooper cadet with the Seattle Crime Laboratory. Hansell transferred to Mansion Security and three months later joined the 64th Trooper Cadet Class.

Trooper Cadet Hansell married Mary L. Baker in March of 1985, and divorced the following year. He married Lisa S. Marino on November 28, 1986, and became stepfather to Angela Marino.

Trooper Hansell was commissioned on January 9, 1986, assigned to South King County. He transferred the following month to Bellevue.

Tragically, Trooper Hansell would only serve six months as a commissioned trooper. Trooper Clifford Hansell died on July 22, 1987, at the age of 25 as a result of a collision with a semi-truck on North Central Avenue in downtown Kent. At the time of his death, Trooper Hansell had served 17 months with the Washington State Patrol.

Trooper Hansell's widow, Lisa, lives in Olympia and is married to Retired Sergeant Ken Harkcom, who is an investigator for the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Trooper Hansell's stepdaughter, Angela, works for the WSP's Information Technology Department in Olympia and is married to George Rutt, who works for the Navy in Bremerton. Her son, Kayden, is 11 years old and their daughter, Isabella, will turn eight in September. Clifford's dad and stepmom (John and Pat) live in California. His sister, Dyanna, resides in Marysville, California.

 

On 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.

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Memorial dedicated to Trooper Clifford R. Hansell, located at the Bellevue District Office.

Washington State Patrol

Trooper Clifford Hansell 
End of Watch – July 22, 1987 
Gone But Never Forgotten 

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