Highway Patrol Graduates 13 New Troopers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, July 27, 2012

CONTACT: Terry Woster, Public Information Officer, 605.773.3178

 

         Highway Patrol Graduates 13 New Troopers

 

PIERRE, S.D. – After more than eight months of training, 13 recruits officially joined the ranks of the South Dakota Highway Patrol during a graduation ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda on Friday.

 

The 13 new troopers, formally members of Class 52, completed basic law enforcement training, followed by the South Dakota Highway Patrol Recruit Academy. From mid-May until graduation day, they were in field training. The period from initial application to graduation is about one year.

 

Gov. Dennis Daugaard joined family and friends of the new troopers for the ceremony. He told the new troopers that law enforcement officers are the foundation for a free society, and he asked them always to remember that South Dakota citizens appreciate their efforts and sacrifices.

 

“With every action you take and even with every ticket you give, you will be motivating people to obey the law,’’ Governor Daugaard said. “You will also be a role model of lawful, kind and helpful behavior for all the young people you meet.’’

 

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the recruits officially became members of the Highway Patrol and left for their initial duty stations. Several of the new troopers were scheduled to be on duty as early as Saturday, July 28.

 

The troopers and their duty stations are: Casey James Bassett, Salem; David Merritt Campbell, Burke; Mark Charles DeGrote, Capitol Protective Services; Daniel John Hup, Aberdeen; Jerry Dale Kastein II, Watertown; Matt Joseph Koll, Sioux Falls; Kevin Dean Moser, Rapid City; Alexander Edward Murray, Presho; Matthew James Niles, Parker; Brock Daniel Olson, Rapid City; Benjamin Horton Pallesen, Sisseton; Aaron John Spangenberg, Pierre, and Jack Edward Wagoner, Pierre.

 

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