May 30, 2025
Michigan communities will soon benefit from the addition of 50 state troopers who graduated this afternoon from the 148th Trooper Recruit School.
During the ceremony in Lansing, Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP), administered the Oath of Office to the graduates who begin their assignments at MSP posts across the state next week.
“By choosing a career of public service, you have shown your loved ones, yourselves, and your fellow Michiganders that you are willing to step up and make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “I am grateful for your dedication to our state and I want you to know that I have your back. Let’s ensure you and all our first responders have the resources and support you need to solve crimes, save lives, and keep our communities safe. Since I took office, I’ve signed bipartisan budgets investing more than $1.6 billion into public safety, including the MSP, and I’ll work with anyone to make sure you have the resources you need to do your jobs and get home at the end of every shift.”
The 148th Trooper Recruit School began on Sunday, Jan. 12 at the MSP Training Academy in Dimondale. Recruits received training 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.
“We’re pleased to welcome these newest State Troopers into our department,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “This is a noble profession with an important mission. I look forward to seeing the impactful and positive work these 50 troopers will do in communities across our state, as we work to build a Michigan where everyone feels safe and secure.”
Tpr. Ghayge Toomey was elected class orator by his fellow recruits, received the Outstanding Performance Award, and spoke on behalf of the graduating class at their ceremony.
Prior to today’s ceremony, also recognized was Tpr. Ryan Erxleben who received the Team Building Award, Tpr. Mason Loudermilk who received the Physical Fitness Award, Tpr. Douglas O’Hagan who received the Academic Achievement Award, Tpr. Dustin Clapp who received the Marksmanship Award and Tpr. Zachary Nickel who received the Sgt. Matt Rogers Driving Excellence Award.
Including the 50 graduates of the 148th Trooper Recruit School, there are approximately 1,150 troopers assigned statewide, and a total of 1,860 enlisted members in the MSP.
To commemorate their journey, recruits have historically written a letter of reflection that is included in the graduation program. To hear excepts from the letter of the 148th Trooper Recruit Class, watch this video.
The MSP is actively recruiting for future trooper recruit schools, including the 150th Trooper Recruit School slated to begin January of 2026. Individuals interested in learning more should visit www.michigan.gov/MSPjobs for information on how to apply.
