Nineteen Michigan State troopers graduated from the 141st Trooper Recruit School Friday afternoon, according to Michigan State Police.
“I commend you on your admirable decision to serve in this noble profession, and to continue contributing to our great state by joining the ranks of the Michigan State Police…,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Public service is a calling that comes with great responsibility. I recognize and appreciate the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make every day to keep us all safe in our homes and neighborhoods.”
Five graduates of the 141st Trooper Recruit School are assigned to the MSP Cadillac Post. They include Troopers Patrick McClure, Derek Reed, Michael Ruggles, Cole Vanderpool and Benjamin Weber.
Weber received the Team Building and Marksmanship awards while Ruggles received the Academic Achievement Award, according to Michigan State Police.
The 141st Trooper Recruit School began Sunday, March 20, with 20 prospective troopers at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing. Recruits were trained in patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, cultural diversity and implicit bias, decision making, leadership, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing, firearms, water safety, defensive tactics and precision driving.
Including the 19 graduates, there are about 1,200 troopers assigned across the state. According to Michigan State Police, there are a total of 1,900 enlisted members.
“We are honored to welcome our 19 newest troopers and know they will continue our tradition of delivering the best in public safety and community services,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP. “This class was the first of its kind for the Michigan State Police, created specifically to attract licensed police officers as law enforcement agencies across the country struggle to attract qualified candidates.”
The 142nd Trooper Recruit School is expected to begin June 26, and recruits are expected to graduate November 10.