Senate adopts resolution honoring Trooper Tara Marissa Guding after fatal roadside collision

The Washington State Senate on Feb. 11 adopted Senate Resolution 8,672 honoring Trooper Tara Marissa Guding, who died Dec. 19 after being struck while investigating a collision on SR 509 near Tacoma.

Senator Lias, who moved adoption of the resolution, told colleagues that Trooper Guding served in the Army National Guard from Oct. 22, 2014, to Oct. 21, 2022, and was commissioned Oct. 30, 2024, as a Washington State Patrol trooper assigned to Tacoma. "If the motorists on SR 509 in December had abided by that simple admonition, trooper Gooten would still be with us," Lias said, urging drivers to "slow down and move over" when they see roadside emergency lights.

Senator King and Senator Lavec also offered remarks in support of the resolution, praising Guding's service and extending condolences to her family and colleagues. The Senate observed a moment of silence and the President welcomed members of the State Patrol and Trooper Guding's family to the chamber.

The resolution text, as read on the floor, recounts Guding's birth in Honolulu and graduation from Mililani High School, her service as a signal intelligence analyst in the Army National Guard, her commission as a Washington State Patrol trooper, and her assignment to Tacoma. It notes she wore badge number 720 and describes her as embodying the State Patrol's motto. The resolution directed the Secretary to transmit copies to surviving family members and to the Washington State Patrol Chief.

With no further remarks, the Senate adopted the resolution by voice vote; the chair announced "the ayes have it" and confirmed the resolution was adopted. Senator Burchelli asked that all members' names be added as cosponsors; the request was granted without objection.

Next steps: the resolution will be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Trooper Guding's surviving family and the Washington State Patrol as the resolution specifies.