39 Graduate From 102nd Trooper School

FORSYTH, GA — The Georgia State Patrol graduated its 102nd Trooper School on Friday at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth. After 32 weeks of intense training, 39 new troopers will report to patrol posts throughout the state on Monday, June 18.

Governor Nathan Deal was the keynote speaker, and additional remarks were given by Department of Public Safety Commissioner Colonel Mark W. McDonough and Director of Training Capt. Scott Woodell. The Oath of Office was issued by Judge Brian Rickman of the Georgia Court of Appeals.

“There has been an increase in economic growth in Georgia and this success also affects public safety," Col. McDonough said. "As our trooper strength increases with each trooper school, the number of fatal crashes
decreases."

Trooper cadets spend 20 weeks at the academy and 12 weeks in field training. The Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council requires that all peace officers receive a minimum of 400 hours of Basic Mandate Training.

At the completion of Trooper School, these newly graduated trooper cadets received over 1,500 hours of training, including driving, defensive tactics, vehicle stops, Spanish, criminal law and criminal procedure, firearms, accident investigation, and various other training.

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During remarks to his fellow class members, Class President Trooper Robert B. Godown reflected on the brotherhood they had created over the past 32 weeks and that the sacrifice they made to become a trooper was well worth it.

Three of the graduates received special honors for top performance in various fields of study. The honorees were:

• Highest Firearms Proficiency – Trooper Erich M. Goen (Score: 299.2 out of 300)
• Highest Driving Proficiency – Trooper Jimmy B. James
• Highest Academic Average – Trooper Steven A. Harris (Score: 99.30 out of 100)
• Top Gun – Trooper Erich M. Goen

This year, Harris received the award for the highest academic average, 99.30. Traditionally, the winner of this award would receive a scholarship towards a bachelor’s degree. However, Harris has already received a master’s degree, so Goen, who scored the second highest academic average, 98.74, will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Reinhardt University.

Additionally, the following graduates were recognized for their leadership: Tpr. Kenneth M. Wilkerson, Vice President; Tpr. Deidra L. Stillwagoner, Secretary/Treasurer; Tpr. Deidra L. Stillwagoner, Pennant Bearer; Tpr. Barry Parker, Base Bearer; Tpr. Steven A. Harris, Chaplain; and Tpr. Brian C. Kynard, Jr., Sergeant-At-Arms.

Each commissioned trooper will report to his/her post on June 18. The new graduates are assigned to one of the 52 posts throughout the state.

Image via Georgia State Patrol