122nd Trooper Recruit School Graduates
Thirty-five recruits formally received their badges at the 122nd Trooper Recruit School graduation ceremony on Friday, May 13. The recruits went though a rigorous 20-week training curriculum to become Michigan State Police troopers.
"To accept the honor of becoming a trooper is to also embrace and recognize the department's proud tradition and high standards of service, through excellence, integrity, and courtesy," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP, during her address to the recruits. "Every time we pin our badge on our uniform, we remember the importance of this symbol. Our badge represents the authority granted to us by law and the trust of the citizens we serve."
The 122nd Trooper Recruit School began on Dec. 26, 2010, when 38 prospective troopers reported to the Training Academy. Throughout the recruit school, the recruits received training in the following:
- Firearms
- Water safety
- Defensive tactics
- Patrol techniques
- Report writing
- Ethics
- First aid
- Criminal law
- Crime scene processing
- Precision driving
The recruits were assigned to MSP work sites across the state and will report for duty the week of May 15.
Tpr. Nicholas Peters, who was elected Class Orator by his fellow recruits, spoke on behalf of the graduating class before receiving the Outstanding Performance Award. Other award winners included:
- Tpr. Benjamin Schwalm - Marksmanship Award
- Tpr. Alex Zamarron - Academic Achievement Award
- Tpr. Sean Street - Team Building Award
Of the 35 graduating recruits, 26 have continued their education with college studies, nine have served in the United States Military, and eight have prior law enforcement experience.
This is the first trooper recruit school held since 2008, which graduated 83 new troopers.
122nd Trooper Recruit School Links
