132nd Trooper Recruit School Graduates; 28 Become State Police Troopers

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Twenty-eight new Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers are reporting for work at MSP posts across the state this week after graduating from the 132nd Trooper Recruit School February 10. Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP, administered the Oath of Office during the ceremony at the Training Academy.

“These men and women should be very proud of themselves today,” said graduation keynote speaker, Governor Rick Snyder. “They have what it takes to join the elite ranks of the Michigan State Police. We wish our newest troopers safety each day. My hope is that they enjoy long and rewarding careers serving and protecting the residents of our great state.”

In her address to the graduates, MSP Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue said, “In everything you do, I ask that you provide ‘Service With a Purpose.’ Michigan’s citizens are depending on you, as am I. You have an opportunity to positively impact our communities. Do what’s right, do your best and treat others the way you want to be treated.”

Tpr. Tyler Rutkowski was elected Class Orator by his fellow recruits and spoke on behalf of the graduating class at today’s ceremony. Other award recipients included Tpr. Jacob Grinwis who received

The Academic Achievement Award, Tpr. Brandon Coil who received the Marksmanship Award, Tpr. Tyler Ruffer who received the Team Building Award and Tpr. Curtis Alward who received the Outstanding Performance Award.

The 132nd Trooper Recruit School began on Aug. 28, 2016, when 37 prospective troopers reported to the MSP Training Academy in Lansing.  For the past 24 weeks, recruits received training in firearms, water safety, defensive tactics, patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing and precision driving.                      

In order to be selected to attend the academy, all applicants had to pass a stringent selection process that included a physical fitness test, background investigation and hiring interview.

As part of the department’s commitment to “Providing Service With A Purpose,” the recruits participated in a community outreach project in which they assisted in building a playground at Wacousta Elementary School.

The 132nd Trooper Recruit School is the fourth of four trooper recruit schools started in 2016, as well as a motor carrier officer recruit school; a first in the department’s 100-year history.

The MSP is actively recruiting for a trooper recruit school anticipated to begin in June; interested candidates should visit www.michigan.gov/mspjobs for more information on how to apply. 

Including these new troopers, there are currently more than 1,050 troopers assigned statewide.