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

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 three youngest children: Emma (13), Ella (12) and Addy (10). Her daughter Andrea (26) graduated with her master’s from Western Washington University in Bellingham and is currently employed as a fulltime therapist with a non-profit organization in Seattle. Jessica’s son, Joey, is a Police Officer with the Kennewick Police Department. Jessica’s son, Eric, is working in sales in Pasco. Jessica also has two bonus children, Camilla (18) and Josline (16).

 

Trooper Thomas’ son, Jason, a shop manager with Irrigation Specialists lives with his wife, Tammy, and their two sons in Pasco. Cody (20) is working alongside his dad as an irrigation specialist.  Cason (13) is in 8th grade, enjoying baseball and keeping his parents busy attending games and practices during the week.

 

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.

 

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