Oklahoma Highway Patrol graduates 19 new cadets

Oklahoma Highway Patrol graduates 19 new cadets PIC

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is proud to announce nineteen (19) cadets are graduating from the 71st Academy on Friday, June 30, 2023.

The 71st Academy was OHP’s second “lateral” academy, meaning all cadets were already full-time, certified law enforcement officers with at least two years of experience. The nineteen graduates come from different backgrounds in law enforcement, including police and sheriff’s departments.

“We are proud of these cadets and all they have accomplished during the 13 weeks of the 71st Academy,” said OHP Chief, Colonel Pat Mays. “All of these cadets will bring prior law enforcement experience, along with everything they learned in the academy, to their various assignments across the state.”

The 71st Academy began on March 29 and the cadets underwent 13 weeks of intense training that included traffic and criminal law, arrest procedures, accident reconstruction, first aid, and Spanish. They also received training in use of force, communication skills and de-escalation tactics, firearms, driving, criminal interdiction, and physical fitness.

Graduating cadets next enter the field training phase. They will ride with another Trooper for thirteen (13) weeks before working the roads on their own. The nineteen cadets are assigned to troops all across the state.Line

Tennessee Highway Patrol Graduates 29 State Troopers

Tennessee Highway Patrol Graduates 29 State Troopers pic1 Tennessee Highway Patrol Graduates 29 State Troopers pic2

On June 23, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating classes of Tennessee State Troopers. The department simultaneously instructed a regular 17-week trooper cadet class and an 11-week lateral trooper cadet class. The lateral class returned from their district assignments for the graduation ceremony that took place at the Hermitage Hills Baptist Church on Lebanon Road in Nashville.

The 15 graduates of Trooper Cadet Class 623 included six cadets with prior military service, two cadets with associate’s degrees, six cadets with bachelor’s degrees, and one cadet with a master’s degree. Cadet Class 623 additionally hosted a blood drive with the American Red Cross and Blood Assurance. 

Lateral Trooper Cadet Class 523 graduated 14 cadets composed of all prior Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified law enforcement officers from across Tennessee. Class 523 included three cadets with associate’s degrees, one cadet with a bachelor’s degree, and four cadets with prior military service. The lateral class brings a combined 109 years of prior law enforcement experience to the THP.

Chief Operating Officer Brandon Gibson served as the keynote speaker during the graduation ceremony, and Commissioner Jeff Long swore in the new troopers as they delivered their oaths of office.

“It was our honor to celebrate the hard work and perseverance of these two cadet classes today,” said Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long. “These new troopers have earned the privilege to serve the people of Tennessee in one of the most well-respected law enforcement agencies in the nation. I commend each of them for their willingness to protect and serve our great state. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment.”

"Joining any law enforcement agency makes you a part of something far bigger than yourself. The citizens of Tennessee have placed their trust in you, and that trust must be earned every day," said Colonel Matt Perry. He reminded them of the challenges of the job, the split-second decisions that would have to be made, and the risk to their personal safety. He continued, telling the newest members of the Highway Patrol, “You have embarked on a career of service in the Volunteer State. When you leave here today remember that service is at the heart of being a Tennessee State Trooper.”

Trooper Lance Willis of class 623 was named the top cadet for his class and was presented with the Trooper Calvin Jenks Memorial Award for Excellence for his leadership, work ethic, and academics. The award was named in honor of the late Trooper Calvin Jenks, who was killed in the line of duty in January 2007.  Line

New York State Police graduate 238 Troopers from basic training

238 troopers graduate NY pic

ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – On June 14th 238 new troopers joined the ranks of the New York State Police at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

It is the 212th graduating class of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy, which will send 33 of the 238 to Troop D, stationed in Oneida. That includes 16 from the Mohawk Valley, listed below:

Trooper Sean Banks of Lee Center,

Trooper Joshua Fenton of Utica,

Trooper Kolby Fical of Ilion,

Trooper Kevin Fisher of Rome,

Trooper Jacob Hyer of Whitesboro,

Trooper Anthony LaGatta of Whitesboro,

Trooper Luke Mack of Oneida,

Trooper Charles Mataraza III of Sylvan Beach,

Trooper Matthew Nell of Vernon,

Trooper Matthew Parkinson of Whitesboro,

Trooper Ryan Piccola of Utica,

Trooper Andrew Scalise of Whitesboro,

Trooper Samuel Sill of Rome,

Trooper Matthew Strachen of New Hartford,

Trooper Emily White of Rome.

Two local troopers, Trooper Miguel Vega of Oneonta and Trooper Jacob Wetzel of Hartwick, will be assigned to Troop C, which is stationed in Sidney.

Of those 33 that will be assigned, one Rome native won a prestigious honor from the New York State Police. Trooper Kevin Fisher – who is also a graduate of Mohawk Valley Community College – won the Firearms Proficiency Award. During his training, Fisher scored an average of 250 out of a possible 250 in all aspects. Fisher was also a patrolman with the Rome Police Department for two and a half years.

The winner of the “Academic Achievement Award” is Trooper Michael P. Ziamandanis, a 26-year-old resident of Albany. He is a graduate of SUNY Albany College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Prior to joining the New York State Police as a trooper, he worked in large scale manufacturing as a biotech production specialist for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Throughout the academy training program, he achieved an outstanding overall academic average of 96.95%. He will be assigned to Troop G.

The recipient of the Investigator Joseph T. Aversa Physical Fitness Award is Trooper James P. Hennessy, age 24, who resides in Tappan, New York. He is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining the State Police, he was a police officer with the New York City Police Department for one and a half years. During the physical agility testing, he achieved the highest score of all 238 Members of the 212th Session, a tribute to his superb physical conditioning. He will be assigned to Troop F.

The recipient of the Student Representative award is Trooper Martin V. Szostak, age 31, who resides in Shokan, New York. He is a graduate of SUNY Ulster College with an Associate of Science Degree in Individual Studies. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he worked at New York City Department of Environmental Protection as a detective specialist for six and a half years. He will be assigned to Troop F.

With today’s graduation, the ranks of the New York State Police now grow to almost 5,000 sworn members. The new troopers will report for their first day of field duty on Wednesday, June 21, where they will be evaluated under a field-training program supervised by senior officers.

“After months of intense classwork, vigorous training and perseverance, the 212th Basic School join the ranks of one of the finest police agencies in the world,” Acting New York State Police Superintendent Steven Nigrelli said in a statement. “This graduation is the culmination of six-plus months of hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment. I am honored to congratulate our new members and welcome them to the most prestigious and well-respected law enforcement agency in the nation.”Line

AAST 2023 Trooper of the Year

LEL Awards 2023 Shuch web story

Florida Highway Patrol Master Trooper Toni Schuck is presented the AAST Trooper of the Year award by AAST Executive Director John Bagnardi. Assisting in the presentation is FHP Director Colonel Gary Howze and Lt. Colonel’s Mark Brown and Troy Thompson. Trooper Schuck was selected by the AAST Trooper of the Year Committee from 24 Troopers nominated by 19 state police agencies. This is the 16th year AAST has presented the award.

Trooper Schuck was selected based on her heroic actions that took place on March 6, 2022 while providing traffic control and security for the Armed Forces Family Skyway 10k.

2023 07 28 FDOT schuck web story

Also present and presenting a special award was Senior Director of Law Enforcement Sales from SIG SAUER Matt Farkas (Ret. NJSP). SIG SAUER presented an engraved handgun which was engraved with the FHP seal and notation of 2023 AAST Trooper of the Year. SIG SAUER has been the marquee sponsor of the AAST Trooper of the Year presentation. This year Henry USA heard about her heroic actions and also presented Trooper Schuck with a commemorative law enforcement Henry Rifle.

 

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The winner of the 2023 "Best Looking Cruiser" Contest

Wow, what a contest! And the winner is........

Congratulations - Florida Highway Patrol

FHP 2023 CALENDAR PHOTO RESIZE

Numerous states including Florida seemed to have a fantastic time with the back and forth challenging and good-hearted ribbing. Looking at the behind-the-scenes videos in creating their photos, I think the states made some fantastic partnerships and lifelong supporters. We can’t thank the public enough for their participation with the voting and fun contest rhetoric. We truly enjoyed reading the back and forth of everyone supporting their state and their favorite cruiser photo! We couldn’t be happier with the positive interaction between the public and the states. From July 17 through July 30 the contest reached 2,927,500 people on Facebook. We also commend the states that took the opportunity to use this platform in recruiting and promoting traffic safety. We feel everyone has been a winner by participating and promoting their agency and the positive environment this contest created. Now, we look forward to everyone purchasing a calendar with the top 13 finishers highlighted on their respective months. The proceeds benefit the AAST Foundation which pays for member dependents higher educational scholarships. You can find us at www.statetroopers.org 

John J. Bagnardi, Major (Ret)

Executive Director

The final results:

results 7 31 fixed

 

 

"BEST LOOKING CRUISER" RESULTS AS OF JULY 28th, 2023

Here are the standings going into the final weekend of voting!

Monday at 12 noon EST, the voting ends and we crown the State with the “Best Looking Cruiser.”

Good luck to all in the last couple of days of voting.

Thank you to everyone for voting and making this fantastic, fun and the best contest yet!

Reminder: One vote per device! Link Below

John J. Bagnardi, Major (Ret)

Executive Director

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcruiser2023

Results as of 4:00 p.m.

Results as of 7 28 23

"BEST LOOKING CRUISER" RESULTS AS OF JULY 27th, 2023

We have a new leader, NEVADA! We have ourselves a nail biter going into the final four and a half days.  Make sure to keep spreading the word and lets keep those votes coming in! 

Share the link below with friends, family, and on all of your social media pages and lets make this our largest turn out yet.

Reminder: Votes are limited to one vote per device during the contest per Survey Monkey rules.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcruiser2023

Results as of 4:00 p.m.

Results 7 27 23

"Best Looking Cruiser" Results as of July 26th, 2023

Here are the standings for “Best Looking Cruiser” as of 4:00 pm this afternoon.

Reminder: Votes are limited to one vote per device during the contest per Survey Monkey rules.

Thanks to all that are casting their ballots and remember to share the link with your friends and family! And most importantly...... HAVE FUN!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcruiser2023

 

Results as of 4:00 p.m.

Results 7 26 23

"Best Looking Cruiser" Results as of July 25th, 2023

We have a new leader in the club house!

Like it’s not hot enough outside, Florida has turned up the heat! I guess it is a real alligator!

Reading the Facebook posts, it ain’t over till it’s over! States are aligning their forces for an all-out photo finish!

Watch out for South Carolina – Colonel Christopher Williamson appeared on WISTV with Dawndy Plank and is rallying the State of South Carolina.

In all reality, Colonel Williamson speaks about the contest but more importantly, speaks about traffic safety, our need for new technology and right tools for the job, and the cause in which we sell the calendars for. Please take a few minutes and view the piece on www.wistv.com.

One vote per device!

Good luck to all!     

Executive Director, (ret) Major 
John Bagnardi

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcruiser2023

Results as of 4:00 p.m.

7 25 23

"BEST LOOKING CRUISER" RESULTS AS OF JULY 24th, 2023

What a weekend of voting – We have a new leader!

It looks like the Indiana State Police has been working feverishly to promote their photo! This has challenged the old war horse leaders, KY, GA, FL and CA to turn up the heat. We are going to have quite a race with 7 days to go!

Seriously, it’s been absolutely wonderful with the banter between states and the hilarious comments from the public, we love everyone’s involvement and it’s exactly what we want to see from this contest. Great competition from the states with great looking photos and our citizens being so involved with each of the agencies. I’m sure it makes all in law enforcement feel a sense of support when everyone is commenting and supporting their state. Thank you to everyone for supporting this event and their state!

Remember, you are only allowed to vote once from each device!

We are so excited to watch the totals for the remaining week, and the comments! Keep up the great work and continue voting at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcruiser2023

John J. Bagnardi, Major (Ret) 

Executive Director

Results as of 4:00 p.m. today:

Results 7 24 23

 

"Best Looking Cruiser" results as of July 21st, 2023

Here are the standings for “Best Looking Cruiser” as of 4:00 pm this afternoon.

Reminder: Votes are limited to one vote per device during the contest per Survey Monkey rules.

Thanks to all that are casting their ballots and remember to share the link with your friends and family!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcruiser2023

 

results 721

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"Best Looking Cruiser" results as of July 20th, 2023

Here are the standings for “Best Looking Cruiser” as of 3:00 pm this afternoon.

Reminder: Votes are limited to one vote per device during the contest per Survey Monkey rules.

Thanks to all that are casting their ballots and remember to share the link with your friends and family!    https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcruiser2023

 

7 20 23 results

The Best Looking Cruiser end of day results for July 19, 2023

Here are the standings for “Best Looking Cruiser” as of 4:15 pm on July 19, 2023

Reminder: Votes are limited to one vote per device during the contest per Survey Monkey rules.

Thanks to all that are casting their ballots and remember to share the link with your friends and family and have fun supporting your states Troopers!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcruiser2023

7 19 23 scores

AAST's 2023 Best Looking Cruiser Contest Begins NOW!

For Immediate Release 

July 17, 2023

American Association of State Troopers (AAST) to Conduct 

10th Annual National "Best Looking Cruiser" Contest

The American Association of State Troopers will conduct their annual "Best Looking Cruiser" contest for the tenth time beginning today, Monday the 17th of July. The Kentucky State Police cruiser was voted the "2023 Best Looking Cruiser" thereby earning them the coveted cover page. The contest began as a friendly competition between the state agencies and is proving to be a fun and engaging way to allow our state's community membersz to support and interact with law enforcement in a positive manner. 

Voting will begin Monday, July 17, 2023 10:00a.m. (EST) and continue through Monday, July 31, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. (EST).

This year's contest will again be tabulated through the Survey Monkey website. To cast your vote in the "2023 Best Looking Cruiser Contest" you can access the website link through the AAST Facebook page or click on https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcruiser2023 and scroll through the photos and at the bottom of the page select your favorite cruiser from the dropdown menu. Agency rankings will be posted on the Facebook page daily.

The winner will be presented with the "Best Looking Cruiser Award" and featured on the cover of the AAST's "America's Best Looking Cruisers 2024 Wall Calendar". The calendars will be available for purchase at www.statetroopers.org beginning October 1, 2023. Calendar sales will benefit the American Association of State Troopers Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to dependents of member troopers.

 

We would like to say a special thank you to our marquee sponsors:

First Net LogoHenry LogoTremco Police ProductsFed Signal Logo center pmsgreyaxon vertical black 600x428 1 002Sig Sauer logo

46 Troopers Graduate and Prepare to Serve Michigan Residents

46 Troopers Graduate and Prepare to Serve Michigan Residents pic

June 09, 2023

Michigan communities will soon benefit from the addition of 46 state troopers who graduated this afternoon from the 143rd Trooper Recruit School.

During the ceremony in Lansing, in which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was the keynote speaker, Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP), administered the Oath of Office to 46 individuals who begin their assignments at MSP posts across the state next week.

“Congratulations to the 46 Michiganders in the 143rd Trooper Recruit School for their graduation into a proud tradition of excellence and public service. They will help make our state a place we can all be proud to call home, where everyone feels safe on the road, in their neighborhood, and at school,” said Governor Whitmer. “I will continue to work with anyone to bring down crime and invest in our communities, and I am immensely grateful to the sacrifices our troopers make to keep us safe.”

The 143rd Trooper Recruit School began on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, with 63 prospective troopers, at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing. Recruits received training in patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, cultural diversity and implicit bias, decision making, leadership, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing, firearms, water safety, defensive tactics and precision driving. With this school, the MSP refreshed its training model to capitalize on adult learning and promote wholistic leadership skills like communication and decision-making, while offering recruits more personalized support to succeed. To learn more about these changes and the department’s commitment to modern policing, check out this MSP Newsroom story.

Tpr. Nicholas Pendell was elected Class Orator by his fellow recruits and spoke on behalf of the graduating class at their ceremony. Recognized prior to the ceremony was Tpr. Sean Park who received the Outstanding Performance Award, Tpr. Justin McIntyre who received the Physical Fitness Award, Tpr. Aaron Weston who received the Marksmanship Award, Tpr. David Versin who received the Team Building Award and Tpr. Tyson Fetter who received the Academic Achievement Award.

“Our newest troopers represent not only the future of our department, but the future of policing,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP. “I’m confident these 46 men and women will continue to raise the bar of modern policing as they work toward our department’s Just Cause, which is to help build a Michigan where everyone feels safe and secure. With the training they have received, I trust they’ll provide exceptional customer service, treating everyone with dignity and respect.”

Including the 46 graduates of the 143rd Trooper Recruit School, there are approximately 1,170 troopers assigned statewide, and a total of 1,885 enlisted members in the MSP.Line