Fifty-eight recruits become State Police Troopers
On November 4, Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP), administered the Oath of Office to 58 new Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers at the graduation ceremony of the 130th Trooper Recruit School at the Lansing Center.
“I commend these new troopers for their hard work and dedication in proving they have what it takes to join the ranks of the elite Michigan Department of State Police,” stated graduation keynote speaker, Governor Rick Snyder. “We wish them safe and rewarding careers as they stand on the front lines to serve and protect the residents of our great state.”
In her address to the graduates, MSP Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue said, “As you accept the honor today of becoming Michigan State troopers, the department demands, and the public deserves, nothing less than your very best performance every day. In all things you do, do what’s right, do your best, and treat others the way you want to be treated. Strive each day to Provide ‘Service With a Purpose’ to those who break the law and to those who choose not to break the law.”
Tpr. Dennis Meek, who was elected Class Orator by his fellow recruits, spoke on behalf of the graduating class at Friday’s ceremony. Other award recipients included Tpr. Dylan Neill who received the Team Building Award, Tpr. Vincent Modjeski who received the Marksmanship Award, Tpr. Heather Svoboda who received the Academic Achievement Award and Tpr. Eric Morrow who received the Outstanding Performance Award.
The 130th Trooper Recruit School began on June 5, when 70 prospective troopers reported to the MSP Training Academy in Lansing. For the past 22 weeks, recruits received training in firearms, water safety, defensive tactics, patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing and precision driving.
In order to be selected to attend the academy, all applicants had to pass a stringent selection process that included a physical fitness test, background investigation and hiring interview.
As part of the department’s commitment to “Providing Service With A Purpose,” the recruits participated in a community outreach project in which they helped build a playground at Wacousta Elementary School.
The following graduates were assigned to Posts in the Sixth District:
David Burr, of Otsego, was assigned to Rockford; Dennis Meek, of Almont, was assigned to Rockford; Eric Morrow, of Big Rapids, was assigned to Rockford; Jacob Barnes, of Ithaca, was assigned to Lakeview; Jacob Lewis, of Rockford, was assigned to Lakeview; Jacob Robison, of Concord was assigned to Hart; Garrett Salters, of Blissfield, was assigned Hart; Brittany Campbell, of Caro, was assigned to Mount Pleasant; Patrick Harrington, of Cheboygan, was assigned to Mount Pleasant; and Vincent Modjeski, of Manistee, was assigned to Mount Pleasant.
The 130th Trooper Recruit School is the second of four trooper recruit schools this year, as well as a motor carrier officer recruit school:
- 131st Trooper Recruit School started July 17, 2016; will graduate December 22, 2016.
- 21st Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School started August 28, 2016; will graduate January 6, 2017.
- 132nd Trooper Recruit School started August 28, 2016; will graduate February 3. 2017.
The MSP is actively recruiting; interested candidates should visit www.michigan.gov/mspjobs for more information on how to apply. The next trooper recruit school is anticipated to begin in June 2017.
Including these troopers, there are currently 1,035 troopers assigned statewide.
