Two men from Lynnwood are part of the newest group of state troopers.

Todd Israel and Edgar Peña-Sanchez were sworn in Wednesday in Olympia after graduating from the 98th Trooper Basic Training Class.

“The 45 cadets graduating today endured a rigorous application process, extensive background investigation, and received the best training, unmatched anywhere else in the nation,” Chief John Batiste said the day of the ceremony. “Today, they will join the ranks of Washington’s finest, as troopers of the Washington State Patrol.”

Trooper Peña-Sanchez was given a special honor by receiving the top fitness award, which recognizes the highest level of physical fitness and control tactics training. He  outscored his classmates repeatedly and scored above 90% in every event, every time he was tested. His first assignment will be in the Bellevue detachment.

Trooper Todd Israel, who graduated from Lynnwood High in 2006, said he rode along with several different agencies before applying to the State Patrol.

“I rode with a Washington State Patrol trooper and I was hooked. I couldn’t imagine working for a different agency,” he told us.

Israel will be based out of the Marysville office.

Historically, only about four to six percent of the total number of applicants make the grade to become WSP troopers.

Photos by Weldon Wilson.