Retzer honored, marks 30th year

COLFAX - May 7 marks 30 years for Mayor Jim Retzer as a trooper with the Washington State Patrol. This comes just two days after Retzer was announced as the recipient of the Chief Will Bachofner Award which is the Trooper of the Year award.

"I'm pretty honored to be put in and selected for that," Retzer said.

The announcement was by the WSP Chief John R. Batiste via a virtual live stream from his office May 5. According to Retzer, there is usually a ceremony in Olympia honoring fallen officers and award recipients on that date. Changes were made to adapt to the COVID-19 situation.

Each year the eight WSP districts choose a Trooper of the District. Those winners are then submitted to Olympia for the Chief Will Bachofner Award.

The state honor is based on a range of criteria including longevity, community service and workload.

As part of the award, Retzer will receive an octane red 2020 Dodge Charger vehicle.