Steve Nelsen

WHEREAS, Steve Nelsen has devoted thirty-four years of exemplary 1
public service to the State of Washington, including twenty-two years 2
of distinguished service to the Law Enforcement Officers' and 3
Firefighters' Plan 2 Retirement Board; and 4
WHEREAS, Mr. Nelsen served as the first ever Executive Director 5
of the Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Plan 2 Retirement 6
Board and played a central role in creating, building, and 7
successfully operating the agency from its inception; and8
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Mr. Nelsen provided steady, 9
knowledgeable, and principled leadership, earning the respect and 10
trust of board members, legislators, stakeholders, and colleagues 11
across state government; and 12
WHEREAS, Working in close partnership with the Board, Mr. Nelsen 13
helped advance and secure the passage of forty-two pieces of 14
legislation strengthening the Law Enforcement Officers' and 15
Firefighters' Plan 2 retirement system and improving outcomes for its 16
members and beneficiaries; and 17
WHEREAS, Mr. Nelsen played a critical role in advancing 18
significant and impactful legislation benefiting Washington's law 19
enforcement officers and firefighters, including legislation 20
establishing and strengthening line of duty death benefits for fallen 21
public safety members and their families; and 22
SENATE RESOLUTION
8685
By Senators Holy, Conway, and Hasegawa
p. 1 8685
WHEREAS, Mr. Nelsen made substantial contributions toward 1
long-term plan funding reform, helping to ensure the fiscal 2
integrity, sustainability, and sound governance of the Law 3
Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Plan 2 retirement 4
system; and 5
WHEREAS, Through his leadership and expertise, Mr. Nelsen 6
was instrumental in the enactment of a significant plan benefit 7
enhancement, reflecting a deep understanding of retirement 8
policy and a commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of 9
Washington's public safety professionals; and 10
WHEREAS, Mr. Nelsen has been steadfastly committed to the 11
mission of the agency and the Board, embodied in the guiding 12
principle, "they keep us safe, we keep them secure," and has 13
consistently centered the needs of law enforcement officers, 14
firefighters, and their families in his work; and 15
WHEREAS, Mr. Nelsen demonstrated a strong commitment to 16
trustee education, ensuring Board members were well informed and 17
equipped to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities through 18
ongoing education, collaboration, and access to expert 19
resources; and 20
WHEREAS, In recognition of his dedication and service to the 21
public safety community, Mr. Nelsen has been honored as an 22
honorary firefighter; and 23
WHEREAS, Mr. Nelsen's career has been marked by integrity, 24
institutional knowledge, collaboration, and an unwavering 25
dedication to public service and the well-being of the members 26
of the Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Plan 2 27
Retirement Board; 28
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State 29
Senate honor and commend Steve Nelsen for his outstanding 30
service and lasting contributions to the State of Washington and 31
to the Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Plan 2 32
Retirement Board; and 33
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate extend its sincere 34
appreciation and best wishes to Mr. Nelsen for a fulfilling and 35
rewarding retirement; and 36
p. 2 8685
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 1
transmitted to Steve Nelsen and to the Law Enforcement Officers' 2
and Firefighters' Plan 2 Retirement Board. 3
I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate, 4
do hereby certify that this is a true and 5
correct copy of Senate Resolution 8685, 6
adopted by the Senate 7
February 24, 2026 8
SARAH BANNISTER 9
Secretary of the Senate 10
p. 3 8685