By Sen. Hobbs

Wow. I just got out of a meeting with WACPS (Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs) – or WA COPS as they like to be called – and I am completely stunned that the officers presented me with their 2008 Legislator of the Year Award. This totally makes up for the speeding ticket I got on the way home from Olympia last year. Seriously, I am so excited to be honored by our policemen, and I have already placed the award dead center in the lobby of my office.

While they had my ear, the WA COPS told me about some important legislation they are supporting called Safe Call – it’s a program that lets police officers and their family members seek confidential help for substance abuse problems through their workplace. It reminds me of a similar program in the military that was very successful. Substance abuse crosses all sectors of society, so it is important that our police officers have the same resources available to them that many other workplaces offer.

More later…