Col. J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, has announced that 25 troopers will graduate from the patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy in a ceremony set for 10 a.m. this Friday (Dec. 18) in the Academy’s gymnasium.
The 101st Recruit Class reported to the Academy (in Jefferson City) on July 1, and the new troopers report for duty in their assigned troops on Jan. 4, 2016.
Johnson, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and Department of Public Safety Director Lane Roberts will each address the class. Texas County associate circuit judge Doug Gaston will provide the keynote address during the ceremony. Judge Paul C. Wilson, of the Missouri Supreme Court, will administer the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Dean Gil Kennon, vice president of College Affairs for Mineral Area College, will confer an associate of applied science degree to five of the new troopers.
Troop F Color Guard will present and retire the colors. Trooper Andrew A. Armstrong, Troop F, will sing the national anthem. Minister Cody R. Gregory, of Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis, will provide the invocation and benediction.Â
The public is invited to attend.