SENATE RESOLUTION
8685
By Senators Holy, Conway, and Hasegawa
WHEREAS, Steve Nelsen has devoted thirty-four years of exemplary public service to the State of Washington, including twenty-two years of distinguished service to the Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Plan 2 Retirement Board; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nelsen served as the first ever Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Plan 2 Retirement Board and played a central role in creating, building, and successfully operating the agency from its inception; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Mr. Nelsen provided steady, knowledgeable, and principled leadership, earning the respect and trust of board members, legislators, stakeholders, and colleagues across state government; and
WHEREAS, Working in close partnership with the Board, Mr. Nelsen helped advance and secure the passage of forty-two pieces of legislation strengthening the Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Plan 2 retirement system and improving outcomes for its members and beneficiaries; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nelsen played a critical role in advancing significant and impactful legislation benefiting Washington's law enforcement officers and firefighters, including legislation establishing and strengthening line of duty death benefits for fallen public safety members and their families; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nelsen made substantial contributions toward long-term plan funding reform, helping to ensure the fiscal integrity, sustainability, and sound governance of the Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Plan 2 retirement system; and
WHEREAS, Through his leadership and expertise, Mr. Nelsen was instrumental in the enactment of a significant plan benefit enhancement, reflecting a deep understanding of retirement policy and a commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of Washington's public safety professionals; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nelsen has been steadfastly committed to the mission of the agency and the Board, embodied in the guiding principle, "they keep us safe, we keep them secure," and has consistently centered the needs of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and their families in his work; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nelsen demonstrated a strong commitment to trustee education, ensuring Board members were well informed and equipped to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities through ongoing education, collaboration, and access to expert resources; and