WSP wants to hire up to 100 new Troopers

(KEPR-TV) Washington State Patrol says they're experiencing a trooper shortage state wide, even  in the Tri-Cities.

“I applied to be a trooper because I wanted to go out and help people. Taking care of people and going out there and giving an extra hand is someone I wanted to be,” Jeffrey Issac tells KEPR Action News.

Issac is just a month away from being an official state patrol trooper in the Tri-Cities.

He’s been training over the past few months with about 50 other recruits, learning the ropes.

“They're doing fatality collisions, hit and run, basic collisions- anything the occurs on the highways they’re learning how to do it right now,” said Trooper Chris Thorson of State Patrol.

But officials say state-wide they’re still 100 short.

"It's really important because the more troopers we have on the highways the faster we can respond to emergency situations and calls. If there's a big incident that occurs and people need help- if there’s only one or two troopers out and we’re tied up, it's going to take a long time to come help you out,” added Thorson.

Troopers are needed to not only respond to a crisis, but to help regulate the roads.

“Besides helping people out there’s more troopers out enforcing traffic laws like following too close road rage and speeding,” said Thorson.

But if there's not enough troopers to do that, public safety could be at risk.

That’s why state patrol is urging anyone who might be interested in being a trooper to apply.

“If you think about it. do it. It’s a great experience," added Issac.

If you're interested in applying, WSP holds a cadet testing session in Yakima March 25th, Pasco on March 26th, and in Wenatchee April 3rd. For details and to apply, visit the Washington State Patrol website.