Georgia State Patrol Graduates 98th Trooper School

FORSYTH, GA -- On Monday, Dec. 5, 24 newly graduated troopers will report to their assigned posts throughout the state of Georgia.

These new troopers make up the 98th Trooper School for the Georgia State Patrol.

The graduation took place on Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 11, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, after 31 weeks of intense training.

Brigadier General Joe Jarrard, Adjutant General of Georgia, was the keynote speaker. Additional remarks were given by Colonel Mark W. McDonough, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety and Captain Scott Woodell, director of Training.

The Oath of Office was issued by Lt. Colonel Russell Powell, deputy commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.

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

The Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) 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 which includes child passenger safety technician certification.

During remarks to his fellow class members, Class President Trooper Dwayne R. Porter reflected on their camaraderie as individuals who became one class…one family.

He closed his remarks with words which have become the motto for the 98th Class, “Stay Strong, Push Hard and Lead Well.”

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

• Highest Firearms Proficiency – Trooper Aaron M. DiGiacomo
• Highest Driving Proficiency – Trooper Eddie B. Smith
• Highest Academic Average – Trooper Brian A. Jones
• Top Gun – Trooper Eddie B. Smith

Jones was awarded for maintaining the highest academic average. He received a $1,000 scholarship towards a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Reinhardt University. Jones maintained a 98.67 academic average.

Trooper Markus L. White received “The Larry Simmons True Grit” award for displaying fortitude and perseverance through extraordinary personal adversity during the 98th GSP Trooper School.

White is the sixth trooper since 1999 to receive this award.

Additionally, the following graduates were recognized for their leadership: Trooper Curtis R. James, vice president; Trooper Ashley M. Barnes, secretary/treasurer; Trooper Christoph T. Ayers, Sr., sergeant-at-arms; Trooper Mar’kevious J. Thomas, pennant bearer; and Trooper Eddie B. Smith, chaplain.

Each newly commissioned trooper was assigned to one of the 52 posts throughout the state. See assignments below.

Image via Georgia Department of Public Safety