June 10, 2005

Lansing.  Beginning June 12th, 51Michigan high school students will get an opportunity to experience the training needed to become a Michigan State Police trooper.  These students are members of the 30th annual Michigan District of Kiwanis Student Trooper Program to be held at the Michigan State Police Training Academy, 7426 North Canal Road, Lansing.

The week-long program is hosted by the Michigan State Police, with assistance from deputies and officers of other Michigan police agencies.  The program is funded by the Michigan District of Kiwanis.  The school is designed for highly motivated young men and women who are seriously interested in a career in law enforcement.  In order to attend, each student is responsible for securing his/her own sponsorship from one of the Michigan District of Kiwanis clubs located throughout the state.

Between wake-up at 5:30 a.m. and lights-out at 10:00 p.m., these students will learn about traffic and criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms and marksmanship fundamentals, first-aid, water safety, narcotics, search and seizure, patrol tactics, crash investigations, law enforcement career opportunities, forensic science, conservation law, underwater recovery and character issues of leadership.

“This program provides young people with a glimpse of what it takes to become a Michigan State Police trooper.  It is a real eye-opener and patterned after a regular Michigan State Police recruit school,” said Captain Gene W. Hoekwater, Michigan State Police Training Division commander.  “The program promotes an educational experience for building teamwork, while learning about law enforcement fundamentals.”

“In just one short week, we see these students become a fine-tuned team of personalities, determined to meet with success.  It is as rewarding for our staff to see the progress these outstanding young men and women make as it is for the students when they graduate,” said Hoekwater.

Students accepted to the 30^th Michigan District of Kiwanis Student Trooper Program include: