Washington State Patrol graduates new CVEOs

The Washington State Patrol has graduated 12 new commercial vehicle enforcement officers who will report for duty throughout Washington state, promoting the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles within the communities they serve.

The newly graduated CVEOs completed 24 weeks of training: 14 weeks of instruction at the WSP Academy in Shelton and 10 weeks in the field alongside a field training officer. This training afforded each new officer the knowledge, skills, and hands-on learning opportunities needed to become well versed in the laws and regulations safeguarding commercial motor vehicle operation within Washington State.

During their 10-week coaching trip, the recruits made more than 1,676 vehicle contacts, completed 1,669 inspections, investigated 59 collisions, and placed 1,088 vehicles out of service for safety violations.

Topics of study included the laws and regulations for commercial motor vehicle weight, size, and equipment safety; hazardous materials; driver and vehicle licensing; permitting requirements and more. The officers also completed the academy’s emergency vehicle operations course, firearms certification, and defensive tactics trainings.

The new graduates of the 20th CVEO Basic Class include: Officer Lynn Morse, assigned to Spokane Port of Entry; Officer Ashley Minero, assigned to Cle Elum Port of Entry; Officer Miranda Matchett, assigned to School Bus West; Officer Elijah Saleem, assigned to School Bus North; Officer Gary Davey, assigned to Commercial Vehicle Division Spokane Interior; Officer Mitchell Molina, assigned to Bow Hill Port of Entry; Officer Tyson Hupp, assigned to Commercial Vehicle Division Spokane Interior; Officer Michael Camacho, assigned to School Bus West; Officer Michael Earl, assigned to Cle Elum Port of Entry; Officer Cliff Patridge, assigned to Commercial Vehicle Division Moses Lake Interior; and Officer Vidyanshu Sharma, assigned to School Bus North.

CVEOs are required to pass a written exam, oral board interview, polygraph, and background investigation, as well as a psychological and medical exam prior to being hired by the WSP. The new hires then participate in the three-phased program, including a pre-academy observation period, academy training, and field training phase.