Forty-seven recruits become State Police Troopers 

Last Friday, August 26, Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP), administered the Oath of Office to 47 new Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers at the graduation ceremony of the 129th Trooper Recruit School at the Lansing Center.

“The troopers graduating today have demonstrated a dedication to hard work and perseverance to join the ranks of the elite Michigan Department of State Police,” stated graduation keynote speaker, Gov. Rick Snyder. “I commend their commitment to public safety and service to their fellow citizens of our great state.”

In her address to the graduates, Etue said, “As you accept the honor of becoming troopers, I expect you to uphold the department’s proud tradition of service through excellence, integrity and courtesy. In all things, do what’s right, do your best and treat others the way you want to be treated.”

Five of the graduates will be stationed in the Sixth District: Michael Antuma, of Rockford, will be stationed at Rockford; Nicholas VanderMolen, of Allendale, will also be at Rockford; Kelly Julin, of Houghton Lake is at Lakeview; Jarrod Osborn, of St. Johns, will also be at Lakeview; and Megan Symonds, of Saline, will be also stationed at Lakeview.

Tpr. Dijon Ware, who was elected Class Orator by his fellow recruits and received the Team Building Award, spoke on behalf of the graduating class at the ceremony. Other award recipients included Tpr. William Robbins, who received the Academic Achievement Award, Tpr. Javon Strickland who received the Marksmanship Award, and Tpr. Peter Oskvarek who received the Outstanding Performance Award.

The 129th Trooper Recruit School began on March 27, when 60 prospective troopers reported to the MSP Training Academy in Lansing. During their 22-week training, they received instruction in firearms, water safety, defensive tactics, patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, first aid, criminal law, crime

As part of the department’s commitment to “Providing Service With A Purpose,” the recruits participated in a community service project in which they collected and then delivered personal hygiene items to the City Rescue Mission of Lansing.

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.

The 129th Trooper Recruit School is the first of four trooper recruit schools this year, as well as a motor carrier officer recruit school:

• 130th Trooper Recruit School began June 5, 2016; will graduate Nov. 4, 2016.
• 131st Trooper Recruit School began July 17, 2016; will graduate Dec. 22, 2016.
• 21st Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School starts Aug. 28, 2016; will graduate Jan. 6, 2017.
• 132nd Trooper Recruit School starts Aug. 28, 2016; will graduate Feb. 3, 2017.

The MSP continues to recruit; interested candidates should visit www.michigan.gov/mspjobs for more information on how to apply.

Including these new troopers, there are approximately 1,000 troopers assigned statewide.