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After seven months of training, a dozen new South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers are hitting the road. The group graduated from the Highway Patrol Academy in Pierre today.
The twelve new graduates went through 21 weeks in the patrol academy, before doing eleven weeks of field training. Academy curriculum includes firearms training, criminal investigation, driving courses, self-defense classes, and community policing tactics.
Once highway patrol recruits graduate to the field training, they are paired with seasoned troopers. They spend the eleven weeks working the roads and gaining hands-on experience for the job.
“This is a group of well trained troopers. The academy is tough. Not everyone makes it through,” said Colonel Dan Mosteller, Superintendent, South Dakota Highway Patrol. “I have no doubt the roads in South Dakota will be safer because of the work these troopers will do.”
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is now at full strength with 162 troopers. In addition to working the roads, and providing community education, the patrol is also charged with Capitol Protective Services.
People interested in pursuing a career with the South Dakota Highway Patrol should contact the South Dakota Bureau of Personnel at 605.773.4926.
Listed below are the new patrol troopers and their assigned duty stations.
John Berndt, Huron
Chanda Bonnema, Spearfish
Kristoff DeKramer, Sioux Falls
Greg Dykstra, Pierre
Brady Fox, Salem
JD Heinrich, Pierre
Nick Jensen, Pierre
Jeff Kollars, Flandreau
Eric Paxton, Pierre
Jesse Place, Faith
Josh Reid, Presho
Brent Saucerman, Pierre