troopers is the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 in 9mm which replaced older M&P .40 S&W handguns which had been in service since 2009 when they replaced the Heckler & Koch USP .40 S&W. Prior to the USP .40 caliber pistols, troopers were armed with the Beretta 92 9mm pistols until around 2003 when the USP pistols were phased in. Prior to that, troopers were issued S&W Model 27 N-Frame 6" barreled revolvers carried in cross-draw holsters (these holsters were phased out in the early 80's when troopers were given the choice to carry personally owned 4" barreled K frame Model 19/66 revolvers). WSP troopers also carry Remington 870 12-gauge police magnum shotguns, and AR-15 rifles in their cruisers. Additionally, HK MP5 submachine guns are used (but only by WSP SWAT and other specialty units). Controversies Eight troopers faced termination in a fake diploma scam discovered in 2009. Troopers who had earned a two-year degree were entitled to a 2% pay raise and those who had earned a bachelor's were entitled to a 4% pay raise. Eight troopers, who were identified during the course of a federal investigation into a diploma mill, were discovered to have submitted fake diplomas along with applications for a pay increase. A State Patrol spokesman reported that the agency intended to fire the troopers. Fallen officers Thirty commissioned personnel of the State Patrol, and its predecessor the Highway Patrol, have died in the line of duty. Patrolman Vernon G. Fortin was the first killed, dying in 1923 following a motorcycle crash. Five personnel have fallen to gunfire; Patrolman John H. Gulden was the first to die of gunshot, which he received while attempting to apprehend a pair of robbers in 1942. See also List of law enforcement agencies in Washington (state) Highway patrol References External links Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial State Patrol Government agencies established in 1921 1921 establishments in Washington (state)