DPS Celebrates 75th Anniversary at State Capitol

(ATLANTA) - The Georgia State Patrol turned 75 years old on March 19 and special ceremonies were held at the Georgia State Capitol.  Governor Nathan Deal was the keynote speaker for the ceremony in the North Wing of the Capitol.  Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, House Speaker David Ralston, and Colonel Mark McDonough also made remarks.

       During the ceremony, the names of the 27 troopers who have died in the line of duty were read followed by a 21-gun salute.  The cadets of the 90th GSP Trooper School were also present for their first day of training and Speaker Ralston administered their oath of office.

       Displays and equipment from the various units of the Department were on display outside the Capitol.

       The Georgia Department of Public Safety was created by House Bill 18 and signed into law on March 19, 1937.  The first GSP Trooper School graduated in August, 1937.