South Dakota Highway Patrol Announces 72^nd Recruit Academy Graduating Class

Pierre, SD – Thirteen South Dakota Highway Patrol recruits officially graduated Friday during a ceremony at the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center in Fort Pierre.

The graduates completed an extensive training program that included 13 weeks at the Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy, followed by 10 weeks at the South Dakota Highway Patrol Academy and 10 weeks of field training.

Opening remarks were presented by Colonel Casey Collins, superintendent of the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

“Earning the state trooper uniform is a distinct privilege that represents a high standard of trust and responsibility,” said Col. Collins. “These graduates have demonstrated the professionalism and performance necessary to answer that call, working every day to make South Dakota a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Collins also recognized the families, training staff, and mentors who supported the recruits throughout the training process.

“The success of these new troopers would not be possible without the encouragement and sacrifices made by those standing behind them,” Collins said. “We are proud to welcome these men and women into the Highway Patrol and look forward to the positive impact they will have in communities across our state.”

Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen delivered the keynote address and congratulated the graduates on their accomplishment.

“As members of the South Dakota Highway Patrol, you are public servants who must always perform your work with integrity, respect, excellence, and fairness,” Chief Justice Jensen said. “The work you perform in your communities as law enforcement will save lives, protect property, and uphold the rule of law for citizens across South Dakota.  For that service, we are all grateful.” 

Class 72 graduates and their duty stations are:

• Emery Aker, HP 59 – Brookings;
• Daniel Carlson, HP 85 – Beresford;
• Bryce Crawford, HP 88 – Kadoka;
• Riley Folkers, HP 97 – Sioux Falls;
• Tori Hurtig, HP 105 – Vermillion;
• Camen Max, HP 115 – Rapid City;
• Lilja McKendry, HP 118 – Rapid City;
• Lance Palmer, HP 124 – Spearfish;
• Tyler Rasmussen, HP 138 – Sioux Falls;
• July Schmidt, HP 151 – Rapid City;
• Carter Spear, HP 148 – Rapid City;
• Connor Swaney, HP 166 – Sioux Falls; and
• David Winnett, HP 197 – Pierre.

The Highway Patrol is an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

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Photo: SDHP Recruit Class 72

Photo: Pinning
Caption: Trooper Lilja McKendry pinned by her father Retired Lieutenant Commander of the United States Navy. 

Photo: Ceremonial
Caption: Trooper July Schmidt is pictured with his mother Orlana Schmidt and the star quilt he received.