State trooper retires after 20 years in Port Angeles

PORT ANGELES — Kenneth Ahrens, a Washington State Patrol trooper based in Port Angeles for 20 years, retired on Tuesday.

Ahrens was assigned to the Aggressive Driving Apprehension Team car and also served on the Rapid Deployment Force Team.

He also was 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.

Casebolt said Ahrens “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.”

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

He began his career with the State Patrol on Aug. 15, 1985.

He was assigned to District 5, where he was a cadet working at Vancouver Communications.

He graduated with the 63rd Academy class and was commissioned in July 1986.

Upon graduation, he was assigned to District 2, serving the Bellevue area.

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

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