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Two new troopers are joining the Michigan State Police Calumet Post.
Shelby-native Freddy Bahena and Braden Knoop of Charlevoix graduated from the 135th Trooper Recruit School on April 3rd.
MSP Director Col. Joe Gasper administered the Oath of Office during the ceremony at the Lansing Center. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the keynote address.
“I’m proud to recognize the graduates of the 135th Trooper Recruit School who are joining the ranks of the Michigan State Police today,” said Whitmer. “There is no greater calling than service to others and it is my honor to support you as you commit yourselves to a career of public service right here in our great state of Michigan. I wish each of you a long, safe and rewarding career with the Michigan State Police.”
Training began on September 23rd at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing.
For the past 28 weeks, recruits received training in firearms, water safety, defensive tactics, patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, cultural diversity and implicit bias, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing and precision driving.
As part of the department’s commitment to community outreach and service, the recruits organized a holiday toy drive in partnership with the Marine Corps Reserve “Toys for Tot’s and raised $8,400 for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. The class also helped to prepare a meal for the Commission on Aging’s “Meals on Wheels” program.
Troopers Bahena and Knoop will continue their law enforcement training and work with field training officers at the Calumet Post for the next 20 weeks. Both troopers will spend time learning the post area, familiarizing themselves with the local court systems and law enforcement agencies, as well as sharpening their investigative skills under the supervision of a senior officer.
The Michigan State Police is actively recruiting for future trooper recruit schools. There is no singular experience, upbringing or education that makes a trooper. Each trooper is as diverse as the job they do. View our Facebook album to learn more about some of our newest troopers.
Persons interested in learning more about a career with the MSP should visit www.michigan.gov/mspjobs for information on how to apply.
The next trooper recruit school is anticipated to begin in June. Including these new troopers, there are 1,285 troopers assigned statewide.
