May 13, 2011
"On behalf of our entire state, thank you for choosing a career of public service and accepting this responsibility," said Gov. Rick Snyder. "While the challenges - and the ways you confront them - may evolve, one thing that never changes is the high standards of the Michigan State Police. We look forward to your invaluable work as state troopers and adding to that distinguished legacy of courage, integrity and service."
The 122nd Trooper Recruit School began on December 26, 2010, when 38 prospective troopers reported to the Training Academy. For the past 20 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. Graduating recruits were assigned to MSP worksites across the state and will report to their respective posts for duty next week.
"To accept the honor of becoming a trooper is to also embrace and recognize the department's proud tradition and high standards of service, through excellence, integrity, and courtesy," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP, during her address to the recruits. "Every time we pin our badge on our uniform, we remember the importance of this symbol. Our badge represents the authority granted to us by law and the trust of the citizens we serve."
"With this graduation, not only do these recruits become troopers, they and their families are now members of our Michigan State Police family and part of a 94-year proud tradition," said Colonel Etue.
Tpr. Nicholas Peters, who was elected Class Orator by his fellow recruits, spoke on behalf of the graduating class before receiving the Outstanding Performance Award. Other award winners included Tpr. Benjamin Schwalm who received the Marksmanship Award, Tpr. Alex Zamarron who received the Academic Achievement Award and Tpr. Sean Street who received the Team Building Award.
Of the 35 graduating recruits, 26 have continued their education with college studies, 9 have served in the United States Military, and 8 have prior law enforcement experience.
The department solicited over 800 potential candidates for the 122nd Trooper Recruit School. Sgt. Kevin Rod was the Recruit School Commander. Special emphasis was given to recruiting military veterans and certified police officers without employment. 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.
This is the first trooper recruit school held since 2008, which graduated 83 new troopers.
In September 2010, Michigan was awarded a $5.8 million federal grant to fund 21 trooper jobs from the U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. The grant provided 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for entry level officer positions over a three year period. The MSP is required to retain the grant-funded positions for a fourth year. The new troopers will backfill the community service trooper positions that were announced in January 2010.
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CONTACT: Sgt. Kevin Rod, Trooper Development Section, (517) 322-6349 or Tiffany Brown, Public Affairs Section, (517) 241-0970
NOTE: For a picture or interview with an individual trooper, contact his or her post assignment location.
