New troopers hit the road

New troopers hit the road After more than nine months of training, 11 new South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers are hitting the road.�? The new troopers graduated from the Highway Patrol Academy in Pierre. The new graduates went through 26 weeks in the patrol academy, before doing 11 weeks of field training.�? Academy curriculum includes firearms training, criminal investigation, driving courses, self-defense classes and community policing tactics, among other things. Once highway patrol recruits graduate to field training, they work side-by-side with experienced troopers gaining hands-on job experience. â�?�?The academy isnâ�?�?t easy. Itâ�?�?s 37 weeks of intense classroom, physical and field training.�? Only top-notch recruits make it through the academy,â�? said Colonel Dan Mosteller, superintendent, South Dakota Highway Patrol.�? â�?�?Iâ�?�?m proud of the work theyâ�?�?ve done so far and have no doubt they will continue to â�?�?make me proud.â�? The South Dakota Highway Patrol is responsible for enforcing traffic laws, promoting traffic safety and for Capitol Protective Services. The highway patrol is currently accepting applications for its next academy.�? People interested in pursuing a career with the South Dakota Highway Patrol should contact the South Dakota Bureau of Personnel at 605-773-3148. Below is a list of the new troopers, their home towns and their assigned duty stations: Keith Bradley, Traverse City, MI, Pierre; Clayton Heinrich, Rapid City, Winner; Jesse Holman, Aberdeen, Miller; Levi Jensen, Aberdeen, Aberdeen; Clay Kartak, Clearfield, Kadoka; Chris Lindner, Princeton, MN, Mobridge; Grant Lubbers, Orange City, IA, Armour; Preston Patterson, Rapid City, Spearfish; Micheal Peterson, Huron, Huron; Daniel Podzimek, Sioux Falls, Murdo; Lyndsey Stauffacher, Dell Rapids, DeSmet.