Michigan’s newest troopers will soon report to work at Michigan State Police (MSP) posts across the state after graduating from the 135th Trooper Recruit School this afternoon.
MSP Director Col. Joe Gasper administered the Oath of Office during the ceremony at the Lansing Center. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the keynote address.
“I’m proud to recognize the graduates of the 135th Trooper Recruit School who are joining the ranks of the Michigan State Police today,” said Whitmer. “There is no greater calling than service to others and it is my honor to support you as you commit yourselves to a career of public service right here in our great state of Michigan. I wish each of you a long, safe and rewarding career with the Michigan State Police.”
In his address to the graduates, Gasper said, “As you leave here today, I encourage you to seek to be what I call the ‘quiet professional.’ Listen first and show kindness, treating everyone with dignity and respect.”
Tpr. Coty Hug was elected Class Orator by his fellow recruits and spoke on behalf of the graduating class at today’s ceremony. Other award recipients included Tpr. Robert Swanson II who received the Academic Achievement and Outstanding Performance awards, Tpr. Patrick Gaudard who received the Team Building Award and Tpr. Gunnar Pila who received the Marksmanship Award.
The 135th Trooper Recruit School began on Sept. 23, 2018, at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing. For the past 28 weeks, recruits received training in firearms, water safety, defensive tactics, patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, cultural diversity and implicit bias, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing and precision driving.
As part of the department’s commitment to community outreach and service, the recruits organized a holiday toy drive in partnership with the Marine Corps Reserve “Toys for Tots” and raised $8,400 for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. The class also helped to prepare a meal for the Commission on Aging’s “Meals on Wheels” program.
The MSP is actively recruiting for future trooper recruit schools. There is no singular experience, upbringing or education that makes a trooper. Each trooper is as diverse as the job they do. View our Facebook album to learn more about some of our newest troopers.
Persons interested in learning more about a career with the MSP should visit www.michigan.gov/mspjobs for information on how to apply.
The next trooper recruit school is anticipated to begin in June. Including these new troopers, there are 1,285 troopers assigned statewide.
Those with a connection to the Eighth District, either through their Post Assignment and/or Hometown are listed below;
NAME POST HOMETOWN
Laken Hammon Negaunee Roscommon
George Kanyuh Negaunee Rapid River
Matthew Yeagley Negaunee Mt. Pleasant
Jason DeVries Sault Ste. Marie Grand Rapids
Tyler Knowles Sault Ste. Marie Traverse City
Jonathan Wehner Sault Ste. Marie Gaylord
Kevin Kaiser St. Ignace Gaylord
Justin Roberts St. Ignace Harbor Springs
Kyle Ross St. Ignace Cass City
Chloe Farnham Gladstone Saginaw
Kyle Lott Gladstone Traverse City
Curtis St. Louis Gladstone St. Ignace
Blair Birnie Manistique Outpost Berkley
Nicholas Dennany Manistique Outpost Holt
Jayson Taylor Manistique Outpost Muskegon
Tyler Floering Iron Mountain Traverse City
Kial Wade Iron Mountain Traverse City
Evan Fezatt Wakefield Negaunee
Paul Maxinoski Wakefield Bessemer
Stefin Robinson Wakefield Gladstone
Freddy Bahena Calumet Shelby
Braden Knoop Calumet Charlevoix
