OLYMPIA — The Washington State Patrol has made a preliminary decision to fire eight troopers who used fake diplomas to claim pay raises.

Patrol spokesman Bob Calkins says Monday’s recommendation from an internal investigation is one step in the process. He says the troopers have the opportunity to meet with commanders this month to challenge facts and discuss discipline. A final decision is likely in September.

The accused men are Trooper Dennis Tardiff of Seattle, Sgt. Chris Sweet of Kelso, Trooper Spike Unruh, Trooper Dan Mann of Spokane, and Sgt. Robert Brusseau, Sgt. Jason Linn, Trooper Gabriel Olson and Trooper Brian Ensley, all of Vancouver. In addition to the eight, two other troopers who were accused have resigned.

Sweet, commander of the Kelso detachment, is a 17-year veteran of the state patrol who was honored in 1998 as Trooper of the Year. In 2006, the Kelso unit was named Detachment of the Year.

The patrol investigation began after federal agents shut down a diploma mill in Spokane. In February, the Thurston County prosecutors decided not to file criminal charges.

The prosecutor said that even though the officers admitted to collecting extra pay as a result of their phony degrees, investigators found no intent to defraud the government.

He said the troopers believed they were pursuing legitimate college degrees.

Troopers can boost their pay 2 percent by earning a two-year degree or 4 percent with a four-year degree.