Col. J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announced 39 troopers graduated from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30 in the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy gymnasium. The 103rd Recruit Class reported to the Academy on July 5. The new troopers report for duty in their assigned troops Jan. 17.
One of the new troopers is Corey D. Parrott, of Lincoln, who has been assigned to Troop A, Johnson County.
Gov. Jay Nixon provided the keynote address during the graduation ceremony. Department of Public Safety Director Lane Roberts and Johnson also addressed the class. The Honorable Edward R. Ardini Jr., Missouri Court of Appeals – Western District, administered the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Dean Gil Kennon, vice president of College Affairs for Mineral Area College, conferred an associate of applied science degree to 12 of the new troopers.
Troop F Color Guard presented and retired the colors. Trooper Andrew A. Armstrong, Troop F, sang the national anthem. The Rev. Jimmy C. McMasters, of Corning, Arkansas, provided the invocation and benediction.
Four class awards were presented. The recruits accumulated points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness, firearms, and academics throughout their 26 weeks at the Academy. The person with the highest number of points in each category earned the respective award. Trooper Nicholas A. Regan earned the physical fitness award. Trooper Justin L. Cleeton earned the firearms award. Trooper David A. Crowell earned the academic award. Trooper Tyson A. Hartshorn accepted the Superintendent’s Award, which is presented to the person with the most points overall.