52 State Police Recruits Commissioned into Service; Largest Class in 46 Years

(North Little Rock) – Fifty-two certified officer recruits became Arkansas State Troopers on Dec. 21 during a graduation ceremony at Camp Robinson, making it the largest graduating class since 1977.

The new Troopers were among an initial field of 230 applicants who were tested and interviewed before entering a 10-week training program, where they completed approximately 760 hours of specialized instruction and practical training.

The graduates were sworn under oath as Arkansas State Troopers by Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Cody Hiland, who served as the keynote speaker.

Colonel Mike Hagar, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, Major Roby Rhoads, Corporal Keondrick Thompson, and Sergeant Chad Staley addressed the class during the ceremony. ASP senior command staff, troop and company commanders, the training section cadre, ASP Commissioners and ASP Foundation members were among the audience.

Special recognition and awards were presented to the recruits who attained the highest scores within the respective training categories listed as follows:

Academics:
1st place – Lydia Rogers
2nd place – Trey Smith
3rd place – Dylan Evans

Physical Fitness:
1st place – Justin Shackleford
2nd place – Shane Fox
3rd place – Hunter Grubbs

Firearms:
1st place – David Whipple
2nd place – Dylan Evans
3rd place – Lydia Rogers

Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC):
1st place – Tyler Ryals
2nd place – Mark Fallis
3rd place – Tre’ Davis

The recruit graduates and their first post assignments are listed as follows:
Thomas “Dylan” Evans, 2023-B Class Leader, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop D.

Upon reporting for duty at their respective troop headquarters, the new troopers will be placed with a certified departmental Field Training Officer (FTO). Each graduate will work in tandem with their respective FTO for a transitional period prior to being released to their assignment.

press release