July 22, 2005

Lansing - Beginning next week, 52 Michigan high school students will get an opportunity to experience the training needed to become Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers.  These students are members of the 30^th annual American Legion Student Trooper Program at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing

Patterned after a regular MSP Recruit School, the week-long program is conducted by MSP officers with assistance from deputies and local police officers.   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 American Legion offices located throughout the state.

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

“This program provides young people with a glimpse of what it takes to become a MSP trooper,” stated Captain Gene Hoekwater, commander of the MSP Training Division.  “It is a real eye-opener. 

  “In just one short week, we see these students become a solid team of personalities, determined to succeed.  It is as rewarding to our staff to see the progress these outstanding young men and women make as it is for the students when they graduate.”

Students accepted to the 30^th American Legion Student Trooper Program include:

SPECIAL NOTE: Media wishing to spend a day at the school should contact:

Main: Nancy Shaffer (517) 322-6319 or Secondary: Sergeant Lisa Rish (517) 322-5597