KENT, Wash. —
Thousands gathered to honor a Washington State Patrol trooper known for his service and dedication, but also for his fun-loving attitude and smile.
Trooper Tony Radulescu's public memorial was held at Kent's ShoWare Center, where friends, family, emergency responders, local law enforcement and officers from as far as Canada attended.
Radulescu was shot during a traffic stop on Feb. 23 near Gorst by a driver who later took his own life. Six people have been charged with rendering criminal assistance.
The first procession honoring the fallen trooper started early Thursday at the Kitsap Mall in Silverdale. It was led by Radulescu’s colleagues from the local State Patrol district office, followed by other law enforcement and emergency services personnel from Kitsap and neighboring counties.
The procession of the trooper's family met with the law enforcement motorcade on Joint Base Lewis-McChord property and then proceeded to the site of the memorial.
An estimated 700 vehicles were involved in the procession.
At his memorial, some of the trooper’s collectables, including model cars, swords and coins were displayed. His all-terrain vehicle was also placed in front of the stage. Radulescu was known to have loved sports, barbecues hiking and telling jokes.
A table set for one with a WSP hat and bible was at the front of the arena, a state patrol tradition that signifies the loss of a trooper.
The 44-year-old trooper was described by his son, Erick, as his hero and best friend.
Radulescu worked out of the WSP District 8 Headquarters in Bremerton, where he also lived.
“Tony was the kind of person everyone wanted to be around, including me. I truly enjoyed working with him,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste, at a news conference the day the trooper was killed.
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Batiste said the trooper had a “real sense of humor,” was highly thought of in the community and was in high demand for talks at local schools.
Known by many in the community as “Trooper Tony,” Radulescu was described as fun-loving with an ever-present smile.
At the memorial, Radulescu's girlfriend, Gina Miller, talked about the first time she met the trooper.
“He was so handsome in his trooper uniform,” said Miller, who met Radulescu while she worked in communications at the WSP. “Tony was my soulmate and I was his. We connected on every level of life…he was my rock, my love, my life.”
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Erick Radulescu spoke at the memorial as well, trying to think positively in the wake of his father's death.
"Even though I lost one very close family member, it looks like I've found thousands more. And that's still a good feeling," he said.
Radulesu hails from Romania and came to the United States when he was 14 years old.
Radulescu enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1986 was active duty until 2007. He fought in the first Gulf War and earned numerous awards including the Army Service Ribbon, Army Lapel Button, Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Army Commendation Medal.
He was hired by the WSP in 1995 and received many awards for outstanding service and achievement.
He is survived by his son, his parents, two brothers and a sister.
Batiste said Radulescu is the 27th officer lost since 1921.
A donation account has been opened in Trooper Radulescu's name, to assist his family. Donations to the "Anthony Radulescu Memorial Fund" may be made at any Key Bank.
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