The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has honored Washington State Patrol Trooper Kelly Kalmbach as the IACP’s 2006 Trooper of the Year. The award was presented Wednesday at the association’s mid-year conference in Baltimore, MD.
Kalmbach was seriously wounded June 29 in a shootout east of the Spanaway area in Pierce County. She returned fire despite receiving multiple wounds, driving off her assailant. Her effective response saved her own life, and by driving off the gunman she reduced the risk to several bystanders.
“We knew Kelly was an excellent trooper before this tragic incident,” said Patrol Chief John R. Batiste. “It was not a surprise that she handled herself so well when the going got tough.”
The assailant fled the scene, and was confronted a short distance away by deputies from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. He was shot and killed after pointing a gun toward those officers.
The Trooper of the Year award is given by the IACP after nominations from state-level police agencies in the U.S., two provincial agencies in Canada, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Troopers are first nominated by their state agencies, followed by review at the regional level. A North American honoree is eventually determined from four regional finalists.
"We're very proud to honor Kelly and the other three finalists," said Superintendent Rick Fuentes, General Chair of the IACP Division of State and Provincial Police. "It's our belief all four troopers exemplify the honor and dedication displayed by all state and provincial police officers every day."
Chief Batiste and Kalmbach’s husband Steven, a retired WSP lieutenant, were also present for the award ceremony.
Because of injuries received in the shootout, Kalmbach has not been able to return to duty. She has nerve damage that limits the use of her left arm. Doctors say improvement is possible, but typically takes an extended period of time.