WSP Memorial Foundation Store & More

WSP Memorial Foundation Store & More The WSPMF is entrusted to preserve the memory of Washington State Patrol fallen officers and to provide assistance to active and retired WSP employees.

The Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation (WSPMF) was established in 1982 to pay tribute to the memory of those of...
09/03/2026

The Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation (WSPMF) was established in 1982 to pay tribute to the memory of those officers who gave their lives while serving the citizens of the State of Washington.

The WSPMF is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Washington’s fallen officers and ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. Through remembrance ceremonies, memorial support, and ongoing outreach, WSPMF honors both the officers and the families who continue to carry their legacy forward.

To honor our fallen officers, a summary of each officer’s service, along with a brief family update, is published on the anniversary of the officer’s death. This annual tribute serves as a meaningful reminder of their dedication, their sacrifice, and the enduring impact they have on the Washington State Patrol family and the communities they served.

Eugene Allen Bolstad, known to friends and family as “Gene,” was born on July 16, 1927, in Bend, Oregon, to Magne B. Bolstad and Ruth Francis Innis. He was raised with two half siblings, Bettie Lee and Charles J., in the Tacoma area. The children attended elementary school in University Place and junior high in Tacoma. Gene was a basketball player and champion swimmer. He graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma in 1946 and continued his higher education at the College of Puget Sound.

Bolstad’s passion for police work began in 1950, with the Tacoma Police Department where he served alongside his half-brother Charles. The men worked side by side and were frequently found visiting a downtown department store where Bolstad’s future wife, Barbara, worked as a model. Bolstad and Barbara were married in September 1951 and featured on the front page of the Tacoma News Tribune’s society section.

Eugene and Barbara moved to Spokane where he worked with the State Fisheries Department. On January 1, 1955, Eugene Bolstad joined the Washington State Patrol as a dispatcher while waiting for the 23rd cadet class.

Trooper Bolstad was commissioned on March 29, 1956, under the leadership of Chief James A. Pryde. He and Barbara transferred to Ocean Park one month after his commission. The couple purchased a home and a pair of beach cottages; Barbara would tend to tourist tenants during the high travel seasons while Bolstad was working the road.

Trooper Eugene Bolstad died on September 3, 1957, at the age of 29 attempting to rescue a teenage boy (Alvin Wiese, age 18) in the surf at Long Beach. Both were caught in an undertow. At the time of his death, Trooper Bolstad had served 2-1/2 years with the Washington State Patrol.

Trooper Bolstad was married to Barbara for six years and they did not have any children. One of the main streets in Long Beach was renamed Bolstad Avenue in honor of Trooper Bolstad in 1958.

Barbara met her second husband, Paul Diamond, on a blind date and learned that he had been on the swim team with Gene Bolstad. They were married for more than 40 years, until his death in 2012. Barbara passed away in December 2022.

Natalie St. John, of the Chinook Observer, interviewed Barbara Diamond in 2015. A fascinating story resulting from the interview was published – please take a few minutes to read this story: https://chinookobserver.com/2015/06/05/local-hero-nice-young-officer-lost-his-life-on-our-beach/

In May of 1999, Trooper Bolstad was awarded the Washington Law Enforcement Medal of Honor, posthumously, for his actions on September 3, 1957, by the Law Enforcement – Medal of Honor Committee.

Trooper Bolstad, and the other thirty-three WSP fallen officers, will be honored at the 45th annual WSP Memorial Foundation dinner and auction on April 17, 2027, at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, WA. This meaningful evening brings together law enforcement, families, friends, and community members to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to the citizens of Washington State. Through remembrance, reflection, and fellowship, their sacrifice continues to be recognized and never forgotten. We hope you will join us.

Please take a moment to remember Trooper Eugene Bolstad and his family.

Our 2026 WSP FIFA coin is now available for pre-order. This 2.5" coin was designed by the Washington State Patrol. The b...
08/20/2026

Our 2026 WSP FIFA coin is now available for pre-order.

This 2.5" coin was designed by the Washington State Patrol. The backside features the WSP patch, ferry, orca whale and Space Needle.

$20 each

Limited quantities available - all proceeds benefit the WSP Memorial Foundation.

** Coins will ship mid-September.
https://www.wspmf.org/product-page/2026-wsp-fifa-coin

The Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation (WSPMF) was established in 1982 to pay tribute to the memory of those of...
08/18/2026

The Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation (WSPMF) was established in 1982 to pay tribute to the memory of those officers who gave their lives while serving the citizens of the State of Washington.

The WSPMF is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Washington’s fallen officers and ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. Through remembrance ceremonies, memorial support, and ongoing outreach, WSPMF honors both the officers and the families who continue to carry their legacy forward.

To honor our fallen officers, a summary of each officer’s service, along with a brief family update, is published on the anniversary of the officer’s death. This annual tribute serves as a meaningful reminder of their dedication, their sacrifice, and the enduring impact they have on the Washington State Patrol family and the communities they served.

Ivan L. Belka was born on April 8, 1913, in Coos Bay, Oregon to Herman A. Belka and Lilly May Abernathy. One of five children, Belka was raised in the Poulsbo area and attended North Kitsap High School.

As an adult, Belka worked in the sawmill section of a pulp mill in Port Angeles. He also served with the Port Angeles Police Department and Pierce County Sheriff's Office.

Belka married Mary Enos in Port Townsend on September 5, 1933, and welcomed their son, Ronald, in 1936.

Belka began his career with the Washington Highway Patrol on December 20, 1941, as a radio operator in Port Angeles. He transferred to Vancouver in 1942, where he was commissioned as a patrolman, assigned to Kelso. Patrolman Belka married his second wife Jean Elizabeth Bower, a nurse, in Spokane on June 5, 1942.

Patrolman Belka resigned in April 1948, to work with the National Auto Theft Bureau in Seattle. Patrolman Belka rejoined the Washington Highway Patrol in March of 1949, moving to Colville as an outpost patrolman.

Patrolman Belka died on August 18, 1951, at the age of 38. He died from injuries when a vehicle failed to yield to Patrolman Belka's patrol vehicle. Patrolman Belka had served 8-1/2 years with the Washington Highway Patrol.

Patrolman Belka had one son, Ronald, who was only 14 at the time of his father's death. Patrolman Belka lived in Colville and was going into Spokane to get the radio in his patrol car fixed and had promised to take Ronald with him. When Ronald awoke the next day, excited to ride into town with his dad, he found that his dad had left without him. Ronald waited all day for his dad to return; only to find out he would never be coming home.

Ronald passed away on December 14, 2009. Ronald and his wife, Barbara, had four children (Ronda; Ron Belka, Jr.; Avery; and Aaron). Aaron Belka passed away at the age of 41 in 2015. Ronda, Ron Jr., and Avery live in California.

Patrolman Belka was honored on August 18, 2021, for the 70th anniversary of his line of duty death. Flowers were placed at his memorial.

Patrolman Belka, and the other thirty-three WSP fallen officers, will be honored at the 45th annual WSP Memorial Foundation dinner and auction on April 17, 2027, at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, WA. This meaningful evening brings together law enforcement, families, friends, and community members to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to the citizens of Washington State. Through remembrance, reflection, and fellowship, their sacrifice continues to be recognized and never forgotten. We hope you will join us.

Joseph Modlin was born on May 22, 1914, to Howard and Nellie Modlin in New Castle, Indiana. He and his sister Margaret w...
08/15/2026

Joseph Modlin was born on May 22, 1914, to Howard and Nellie Modlin in New Castle, Indiana. He and his sister Margaret were raised in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Modlin moved to Detroit, Michigan where he enlisted in the United States Army on June 16, 1941. Modlin served four years and three months as a master sergeant in the 738th Tank Battalion in Central Europe during World War II.

While in the Army, Modlin met the love of his life, Elaine Wagner on a blind date at Whistling Jacks in Naches, Washington. The two were married in 1945. After his military tour, Modlin found himself back in Detroit where he worked for General Motors.

The couple eventually moved to Sunnyside, where Modlin worked at the Carnation Milk Plant. The family moved to Goldendale in 1955. Modlin worked as a radiator man before owning and operating his own repair shop for more than a decade. During this time, Modlin and his wife welcomed three daughters, Karen, Bobbe and Luanne. He then opened his own grocery store and drove a local school bus. Modlin served as a Klickitat County Sheriff's deputy from 1963 to 1967. His career with the Washington State Patrol began in 1968, as a communications officer. He promoted to weight control officer on December 19, 1969, assigned to Vancouver.

Weight Control Officer Joseph Modlin died on August 15, 1974, at the age of 60. He was killed when he was struck by a logging truck at the Home Valley weigh station. At the time of his death, Weight Control Officer Modlin had served six years with the Washington State Patrol.

Weight Control Officer Joseph Modlin's wife, Elaine, passed away in July 2020. Karen, passed away in January 2025. Bobbe lives in The Dalles, Oregon, and Luanne lives in Naches, Washington.

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau recognizes and acknowledges the sacrifices of the brave men and women in Commercial Vehicle Enforcement in furthering public safety. The Core Values Award is presented in Weight Control Officer Modlin's memory to a graduate of each CVEO Basic Class. Weight Control Officer Modlin's daughter, Luanne, presents the award to the selected recipient.

The Ridgefield Port of Entry opening and memorial dedication for Weight Control Officer Joseph Modlin took place in January 2020.

On August 15, 2024, a ceremony was held at the Ridgefield Port of Entry to honor the 50th anniversary of Weight Control Officer Modlin's sacrifice.

Weight Control Officer Joseph Modlin, and the other thirty-three WSP fallen officers, will be honored at the 45th annual WSP Memorial Foundation dinner and auction on April 17, 2027, at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, WA. This meaningful evening brings together law enforcement, families, friends, and community members to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to the citizens of Washington State. Through remembrance, reflection, and fellowship, their sacrifice continues to be recognized and never forgotten. We hope you will join us.

Please take a moment to remember Weight Control Officer Joseph Modlin and his family.

The Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation (WSPMF) was established in 1982 to pay tribute to the memory of those of...
08/06/2026

The Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation (WSPMF) was established in 1982 to pay tribute to the memory of those officers who gave their lives while serving the citizens of the State of Washington.

The WSPMF is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Washington’s fallen officers and ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. Through remembrance ceremonies, memorial support, and ongoing outreach, WSPMF honors both the officers and the families who continue to carry their legacy forward.

To honor our fallen officers, a summary of each officer’s service, along with a brief family update, is published on the anniversary of the officer’s death. This annual tribute serves as a meaningful reminder of their dedication, their sacrifice, and the enduring impact they have on the Washington State Patrol family and the communities they served.

Brent Hanger was born on January 28, 1968, to Ralph and Barbara Hanger in Sedro Woolley, Washington. He grew up in the Skagit Valley, graduating from Burlington-Edison High School before continuing his education by obtaining an Occupational associate’s degree in auto and heavy diesel repair from Universal Technical Institute in 1988.

Hanger’s career path changed, bringing him to the Washington State Patrol on July 9, 1998, where he joined the 82nd Trooper Basic Training Class. Trooper Hanger was commissioned on March 1, 1999, and was assigned back home in Burlington.

Trooper Hanger earned the Award of Merit on November 28, 2000, for risking his own life assisting an individual in crisis. He transferred to Marysville in May 2004, and became a Field Training Officer known to have high expectations, but not without also providing the proper support, encouragement, and wisdom to his trainees.

Trooper Hanger promoted to detective with the Northwest Regional Drug Task Force on August 1, 2007, assigned to Bellingham. He spent eight years working alongside the team displaying integrity, loyalty, dedication, and perseverance.

Detective Brent Hanger died on August 6, 2015, at the age of 47. He suffered a heart attack while following up on a tip regarding a ma*****na grow in Yakima County. At the time of his death, Detective Hanger had served almost 17 years with the Washington State Patrol.

Detective Hanger's wife, Lisa, lives in Mount Vernon and works at FedEx. Lisa loves spending time with their six children, Emily, Erin, Kailey, Erik, Kyle, and Kevin; and her dog, Lottie.

Emily graduated from Western Washington University (WWU) in 2020 and is a Trooper, assigned to Burlington. Emily got engaged this year to Andres, and they purchased a home in Sedro-Woolley. She has a chocolate lab, named Peach. Emily enjoys photography, scuba diving, and travel.

Erin graduated from WWU in 2020, with a major in history and a minor in Latin. She just completed her first year in veterinary school at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and loved it. Lisa and Emily were able to travel to Scotland with Erin before school started and go sightseeing. It was an amazing experience for them.

Kailey graduated from the University of Washington in 2022 with her biology major. She is currently working at an orthodontist’s office in Kirkland. She plans on going to dental school. She loves spending time with her friends, her boyfriend and her kitties.

Erik is close to graduating from WWU with a major in Environmental Science and an emphasis on Ecology. Erik works at Bellingham Veterinary while going to school and hopes to work with wildlife in the future. He enjoys fishing, hunting, and riding his dirt bike.

Kyle graduated from Skagit Valley College this year. He did an internship with Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland. Ultimately, he was hired permanently as their program director. For fun, Kyle likes to camp and hang out with his friends. He also likes PC gaming, anime and Goorin Bros. Trucker hats.

Kevin completed his first year of school in the engineering program at Whatcom Community College. In his free time, he likes to work on his vintage VW van and hang out with is sister, Kailey.

Brent Hanger's mother, Barbara, passed away in February 2020. Brent’s siblings, Julie and Mark, live in Mt. Vernon. His sister Marcia lives in Smokey Point. Brent’s stepmom, Linda and stepsister, Jessica, live in Burlington.

A memorial unveiling and dedication was held at the Burlington WSP office on August 22 last year. This dedication honored the 10th anniversary of Detective Hanger’s line of duty death.

Detective Brent Hanger, and the other thirty-three WSP fallen officers, will be honored at the 45th annual WSP Memorial Foundation dinner and auction on April 17, 2027, at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, WA. This meaningful evening brings together law enforcement, families, friends, and community members to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to the citizens of Washington State. Through remembrance, reflection, and fellowship, their sacrifice continues to be recognized and never forgotten. We hope you will join us.

Please take a moment to remember Detective Brent Hanger and his family.

Oscar works in our Fleet Management Department for the Washington State Patrol. Oscar and Nicole, along with their four ...
07/31/2026

Oscar works in our Fleet Management Department for the Washington State Patrol.

Oscar and Nicole, along with their four sons have experienced an unimaginable loss after a devastating house fire destroyed their home. While they are incredibly grateful that everyone made it out safely and no one was injured, their home and belongings were a total loss.

As they begin the difficult journey of rebuilding their lives, they are facing the immediate and ongoing challenges of securing housing, replacing essential belongings, clothing, school supplies, and meeting everyday needs for their family of six.

We are asking for support to help this family rebuild what they have lost.
.......

There are 4 ways to make donations for Oscar's family:

1 - Using Venmo, donations can be sent to -MemorialFoundation. Please note "Oscar" in the note section. (If last 4 is requested, use 4411)

2 – Go into any Chase Bank Branch and make a check deposit into the “Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation ” account. "Oscar” should be noted on the check note line.

3 – Using your own bank, you can log in online or through your mobile app and make a donation using Zelle. Donations can be sent to our WSPMF number, 360-597-4411, or email, [email protected]. Please note “Oscar”. All donations received will be held for the family. There are no fees with using Zelle.

4 – You can mail a check made out to WSPMF with “Oscar” on the note line to:

WSP Memorial Foundation
PO Box 901
Prosser, WA 99350

100% of the donations received in their name will be given directly to the family.

The family has also set up a Go Fund Me:
https://gofund.me/c996eb893

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please contact Megan King at [email protected].

The Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation (WSPMF) was established in 1982 to pay tribute to the memory of those of...
07/22/2026

The Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation (WSPMF) was established in 1982 to pay tribute to the memory of those officers who gave their lives while serving the citizens of the State of Washington.

The WSPMF is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Washington’s fallen officers and ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. Through remembrance ceremonies, memorial support, and ongoing outreach, WSPMF honors both the officers and the families who continue to carry their legacy forward.

To honor our fallen officers, a summary of each officer’s service, along with a brief family update, is published on the anniversary of the officer’s death. This annual tribute serves as a meaningful reminder of their dedication, their sacrifice, and the enduring impact they have on the Washington State Patrol family and the communities they served.

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, 1987, 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 a detective sergeant 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 15 years old and their daughter, Isabella, will turn 11 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.

Trooper Hansell, along with our other thirty-three fallen officers, were honored at the Memorial Foundation Dinner and Auction on April 11, 2026, at the ilani Resort in Ridgefield, Washington. This meaningful evening brings together law enforcement, families, friends, and community members to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to the citizens of Washington State. Through remembrance, reflection, and fellowship, their sacrifice continues to be recognized and never forgotten.

Please take a moment to remember Trooper Clifford Hansell and his family.

Address

PO Box 901
Prosser, WA
99350

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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