OLYMPIA — Sen. Kevin Van De Wege has been named 2017 Legislator of the Year by the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs.
He received the award last week because of his support of legislation that affects law enforcement agencies and officers, said Teresa Taylor, executive director of Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS), in a news release.
The 2017 year marked Van De Wege’s first year in the state Senate after serving five terms in the House of Representatives. The Sequim Democrat represents the 24th Legislative District, which covers Clallam and Jefferson counties and part of Grays Harbor County.
“It is with great appreciation that WACOPS selected Se. Van De Wege as the 2017 Senate Democrat Legislator of the Year,” Taylor said.
“Sen. Van De Wege has been a consistent advocate and protector of WACOPS’ collective bargaining, retirement benefits, and labor protections. He is also the cosponsor of legislation to add presumptive disease and PTSD protections for law enforcement.”
The council is a professional organization formed more than 50 years ago to strengthen the rights and quality of life of those who have dedicated their careers to protecting and serving communities across Washington.
“I have nothing but respect and admiration for the men and women in this organization, and a daily appreciation of the valuable input they provide throughout the legislative process,” Van De Wege said.
“When you have access to an informed and helpful organization like theirs, it makes it easier for me to do my job as a legislator and craft effective legislation. They make me better.”
