40 Graduate From 101st Trooper School

FORSYTH, GA — The Georgia State Patrol held a graduation ceremony Dec. 29 for its 101st Trooper School at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth. After 31 weeks of intense training, 40 new troopers will report to patrol posts throughout the state on Monday, Jan. 29.

Governor Nathan Deal was the keynote speaker, and additional remarks were given by Colonel Mark W. McDonough, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, and Director of Training Capt. Scott Woodell. The Oath of Office was issued by Justice Harold Melton of the Georgia Supreme Court.

Trooper cadets spend 18 weeks at the academy, 12 weeks in field training, and return to the academy for one week of preparation for graduation. 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.

In his remarks to fellow class members, class president Travis K. Pollock reflected on the camaraderie developed over the past 31 weeks and their roles as state troopers and leaders. Four of the graduates received special honors for top performance in the following areas:

• Highest Firearms Proficiency – Timothy V. Williams
• Highest Driving Proficiency – Jared D. Davis
• Highest Academic Average – Trent A. Kirchhefer
• Top Gun – Scott E. Rigby

This year, Tpr. Trent A. Kirchhefer received an award from Reinhardt University for the highest academic average, 99.23. He received a $1,000 scholarship towards a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Reinhardt.

Additionally, the following graduates were recognized for their leadership: Wade F. Oglesby, vice president; Vance W. Henry, Jr., secretary/treasurer; Randall L. White, sergeant-at-arms; Jarrad R. Gately, pennant bearer; and Scott E. Rigby, chaplain. Each commissioned trooper will report to his/her post on Jan. 29, 2018. The new graduates are assigned to one of the 52 posts throughout the state:

Image via Georgia State Patrol