Kenneth Ahrens, a Washington State Patrol trooper based in Port Angeles for 20 years, retired Aug. 3.

Ahrens graduated from Richland High School, later attending Peninsula College for an associate’s degree and Western Washington University for a bachelor’s degree.

He began working in communications with the State Patrol on Aug. 15, 1985, in Vancouver.

Ahrens graduated with the 63rd academy class, was commissioned in July 1986 and assigned to the Bellevue area.

In July 1990, Ahrens transferred to Port Angeles where he remained until his retirement.

He was assigned the Aggressive Driving Apprehension Team car, was a member of the Rapid Deployment Force Team and became a certified collision technician.

"Trooper Ahrens has been a fixture in the WSP family in the Port Angeles area for many years," said Lt. Clint Casebolt.

"HE HAS SERVED AS A MENTOR FOR MANY OF OUR TROOPERS AND HIS DEDICATION TO THE COMMUNITY REPRESENTS THE BEST OF THE WASHINGTON STATE PATROL. WE WILL MISS KEN’S STRONG WORK ETHIC BUT WISH HIM AND HIS FAMILY ALL THE BEST IN HIS RETIREMENT."