OLYMPIA… At its annual legislative lunch Wednesday the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs recognized Sen. Ann Rivers as Legislator of the Year for 2012 from among Republicans in the House of Representatives.

Rivers, R-La Center, had served in the House throughout the 2012 session and beyond until her mid-year appointment to the vacant 18th Legislative District Senate position.

The council, known around the Capitol as WACOPS, cited Rivers’ overall support for law enforcement and specifically a bill she introduced during the 2012 session to increase penalties for harming or killing a police K-9 dog. House Bill 2191 was passed unanimously by the House and Senate and became law in June.

“Clark County had lost two police dogs – they were fatally stabbed by criminals – so I was glad to introduce that bill and work it through the legislative process. I hadn’t expected this honor from the sheriffs and police chiefs but am very grateful to accept it,” Rivers said.