he Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) welcomed 17 new troopers into its ranks during a graduation ceremony Friday, marking the agency’s largest graduating class in the past 20 years.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen and MHP Colonel Kurt Sager addressed the graduates before the formal badge pinning ceremony, commending the new troopers for their commitment to public service.
“The new troopers will join the ranks of some of the best and bravest law enforcement officers in the country,” said Attorney General Knudsen. “I’m proud of their decision to join the Montana Highway Patrol and confident in their ability to protect Montanans and their communities.”
Colonel Sager echoed that pride, adding, “It’s a privilege to welcome these 17 new troopers to the Montana Highway Patrol. These men and women are ready to serve their communities with pride and dedication as we continue to carry out our mission of protecting Montana’s roads and highways.”
The graduates, members of the 81st MHP Advanced Academy, completed 24 weeks of intensive training. The class included recruits from across the country, including Missouri, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and California, with 12 of the 17 new troopers hailing from Montana.
Following the graduation ceremony, a promotion ceremony was held. Lucas Herl was promoted to Sergeant of the Impaired Driving Section, and Andrew Horton was named Detachment Commander in Libby.
The Montana Highway Patrol is currently accepting applications for new trooper positions through July 20.
By: Big Sky Headlines staff