South Dakota Highway Patrol Announces 71^st Recruit Academy Graduating Class

Pierre, SD – Twelve South Dakota Highway Patrol Troopers officially graduated this morning during a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda.

Opening remarks were presented by Col. Casey Collins, SDHP Superintendent. “Today is a day to celebrate your remarkable achievement,” said Col. Collins. “The dedication, hard work, and sacrifices you’ve made during your training have earned you the privilege of wearing the state trooper uniform.”

Gov. Larry Rhoden was the keynote speaker and congratulated the graduates on their accomplishment. “It’s an exciting time to join the Highway Patrol,” Gov. Rhoden said. “There are opportunities for you today that haven’t been available for quite some time. Look for those opportunities, even if they are challenging or uncomfortable. There’s something special about each of you. Each of you is impressive in your own right.”

As recruits, they completed 13 weeks of the Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy, 10 weeks of the Highway Patrol Recruit Academy, and 10 weeks of Field Training to graduate. The graduates and their duty stations are:

Dillon Axtell, HP 135 – Pierre
Justin Becker, HP 145 – Chamberlain
Anthony DeBarrows, HP 64 – Spearfish
Carson Gohl, HP 71 – Watertown
Ty Lilla, HP 79 – Huron
Benjamin Lindgren, HP 86 – Winner
Evan Mattson, HP 90 – Rapid City
Reymond Peters, HP 111 – Murdo
Keagen Schoenfelder, HP 122 – Salem
Mikel Tomczak, HP 152 – Rapid City
Mason Whitehead, HP 137 – Sturgis
Paige Worth, HP 143 - Huron

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

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Class 71 graduated today in a ceremony at the Capitol.

Gov. Rhoden presented the keynote address at the SDHP Class 71 graduation.