PUYALLUP—The Washington State Patrol held a brief Meet & Greet opportunity with retired WSP Captain Howard F West on Tuesday, August 27, honoring the agency’s oldest living retiree.
The event was held at the Washington State Fairgrounds, just two months after Captain West’s 102nd birthday who retired from the law enforcement agency on January 31, 1978, after 30-years of service.
West, who was born one year after the WSP was founded in 1921, began his career with the agency in 1947 as a vehicle safety inspector in Seattle. Two years later West was promoted to Clerk and then one year later, promoted again to Driver License Examiner 1.
On November 1, 1950, West graduated from the 15th Training Class and was commissioned as a Patrolman in Spokane. Seven years later he was promoted to Sergeant. In 1962 he transferred to the City of Tacoma where he was promoted to Lieutenant shortly after.
In April 1969 West attended Law Enforcement Management School and was eventually transferred to the City of Olympia where he was advanced to Captain and received the Safe Driving Award in 1973. He retired from working as VIN Westside Coordinator.
Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste met with Captain West at his home last year when the WSP celebrated its 102nd anniversary and Captain West celebrated his 101st birthday that same year. During that meeting, West reflected on the days where he said professional image was everything
“I never wanted to do another job. I did it because I enjoyed it,” said West.
West offered Chief Batiste a word of advice to “keep it smooth, keep it professional,” to “never raise your voice” and “never get out of line.” Chief Batiste commended his advice and added that is exactly how he continues to run his business to this day.
“That model that you live with, service and humility, we still use that today,” said Chief Batiste. “We treat everyone with dignity and respect…You’re part of something that was special that was started. We want to make sure we continue to do so.”
West grew up in the Washington D.C. area, attending Western High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy from November 1942 to May 1945. He retired from the Navy as a Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron #11 holding the ranks of Apprentice Seaman, Seaman Second and First Class, and Torpedoman Third, Second, and First Class.
In a recent interview, West expressed a desire to see and sit in the vintage 1940 Ford Police Wagon on display in the WSP Exhibit at the State Fair, a similar vehicle he drove in the early days of his career. West got that opportunity this August.
