OLYMPIA – Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, was named 2017 Legislator of the Year this week by the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS) for his support of legislation that affects law enforcement agencies and officers.

The 2017 year marked Van De Wege’s first year in the state Senate after serving five terms in the House of Representatives.

“It is with great appreciation that WACOPS selected Se. Van De Wege as the 2017 Senate Democrat Legislator of the Year,” said Teresa Taylor, WACOPS executive director. “Sen. Van De Wege has been a consistent advocate and protector of WACOPS’ collective bargaining, retirement benefits, and labor protections. He is also the cosponsor of legislation to add presumptive disease and PTSD protections for law enforcement.”

The council is a professional organization formed more than 50 years ago to strengthen the rights and quality of life of those who have dedicated their careers to protecting and serving communities across Washington.

“I have nothing but respect and admiration for the men and women in this organization, and a daily appreciation of the valuable input they provide throughout the legislative process,” Van De Wege said. “When you have access to an informed and helpful organization like theirs, it makes it easier for me to do my job as a legislator and craft effective legislation. They make me better.”

Phone town hall

All three lawmakers from the 24th Legislative District — Van De Wege, Rep. Steve Tharinger and Rep. Mike Chapman — are scheduled to host a telephone town hall starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1.

Most families who live in the 24th District should get a phone call at 6 p.m. and all they have to do to participate is to stay on the line. To ask questions, press *3 on the phone. Families that don’t get a call at 6 p.m. can dial toll-free to join at 877-229-8493 and use the event code 116289 when prompted.

People can also listen and participate by visiting vekeo.com/whdc24 and clicking on the “Let’s Talk” tab to fill out a short form with your name, phone number and email address.