November 2, 2009 - 6:14 pm

Fake-diploma troopers should have been fired

Troopers can earn up to a four-percent pay hike if they have four-year college degrees. These troopers used fake diplomas and a bogus degree to collect that extra pay.

The State Patrol conducted an internal investigation in August - the recommendation at the time was that all eight should be fired. But now, in an amazing turnaround, the troopers will instead be suspended for 3-10 days each and allowed to keep their jobs.

Since they have been on paid administrative leave, they have essentially gotten a very long paid vacation for their scam.

I talked today with State Patrol Captain Jeff Devere who told me the eight troopers were not guilty of intent to defraud the taxpayers - just of poor judgement.

The phony degrees required no coursework. Of course these troopers knew that they did not deserve the extra pay that comes with a college degree. They have slapped in the face their colleagues who actually attended a four year university to merit the bonus pay.

I also think these troopers put the state in a horrible situation. If they are ever on a witness stand, what defense attorney wouldn't salivate at the opportunity to question the credibility and honor of any of these troopers?

One listener asked if any citizen can put phony license tabs on his car to defraud the state - and, if caught, just get a slap on the wrist? How would that be any different from what these troopers did?

And I will tell you, I heard from several WSP Troopers who are outraged that their colleagues weren't fired:

Dori,

If you read this please do it from "anonymous"!! I can honestly say that there are a majority of us Troops who completely disagree with the agency's decision not to terminate their employment. There is no way we buy that these fake diplomas were not obtained without intent....absolutely BS! Trust me when I say that many of us feel betrayed that these idiots get to go back and wear the same uniform. They do not represent the rest of us that follow the law, the regulations as well as continue to earn the trust of the citizens.

I apologize to the citizens of Washington on their behalf...they will never say they're sorry.

11 year WSP veteran
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Mr. Monson,

I would love to call into your show, but fear retaliation from the Troopers Association. I can tell you that the rank and file are furious with our chief. This is an association flexing its political muscle. How can the Chief look at the facts, make a decision, then change his mind? Chief Sandberg, and Chiefs before her would have fired these troopers. When Chief Sandberg was put into a position where she had to fire a long time friend, I remember her saying, "its the right thing to do". Our Association has turned into what we have always fought against. I am still proud of our organization, its the fools who have taken our department over are what I am embarrassed about. Thank you for all your support. You are doing the right by all of us.
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I will always defend good cops from senseless media attacks. But I will just as zealously go after bad cops. I think the Washington State Patrol has stained its entire organization by keeping these troopers on the payroll.