GSP Graduates 30 New Troopers in 97th Trooper School

(FORSYTH) – On April 16, 2016, 30 newly graduated troopers reported to their assigned posts throughout the state of Georgia. This is the 97th Trooper School for the Georgia State Patrol. The graduation took place on Friday, March 18, 2016, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth after 31 weeks of intense training. Governor Nathan Deal was the keynote speaker. Additional remarks were given by Colonel Mark W. McDonough, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety and Capt. Scott Woodell, Director of Training.  The Oath of Office was issued by The Honorable Brian Rickman of the Georgia Court of Appeals.

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, Tpr. Jeffery L. Wilkerson, reflected on their time at the academy, the bond they created, and the importance of their roles as Georgia state troopers.

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

•     Highest Firearms Proficiency – Tpr. Michael T. Moores

•     Highest Driving Proficiency – Tpr. James A. Fuller

•     Highest Academic Average – Tpr. Jamie N. Quinn

•     Top Gun – Tpr. Larry G. J. Ray

Tpr. Jamie Quinn 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. Tpr. Quinn maintained a 98.2 academic average.

Additionally, the following graduates were recognized for their leadership:  Tpr. Jonathan E. Fetchik, Vice President; Tpr. Brent Sanford, Secretary/Treasurer; Tpr. Jeffery L. Wilkerson, Sergeant-At-Arms; Tpr. Darren D. Heard, Pennant Bearer; Tpr. Lindsey R. Barber, Pennant Base Bearer; Aaron R. Degourville, Chaplain; Jonathan E. Fetchik, 1st Squad Leader; and Nicholas A. Simpson, 2nd Squad Leader.

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

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