Missouri – On December 20, 2024, the Missouri State Highway Patrol celebrated the graduation of 30 recruits from its 122nd Recruit Class. Held in the gymnasium of the Patrol Academy, the event represented the end of 25 weeks of hard training started on July 1, 2024. The graduates will be officially reporting to their postings across Missouri on January 6, 2025,
The ceremony was rich with inspiration and custom. The new troopers received the Oath of Office from the Honorable Robin Ransom of the Supreme Court of Missouri, so attesting to their dedication to serve and defend. In his stirring keynote speech, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey praised the graduates for their commitment and urged them to keep moral standards of justice and honesty.
Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Colonel Eric T. Olson also spoke stressing the need of field persistence and cooperation. While the 135th Army Band of the Missouri Army National Guard delivered a moving performance of the national anthem, the Troop F Color Guard presented the colors with accuracy. Chaplain Kevin Kappler gave the benediction and invocation, therefore imbuing the ceremony with a spiritual component.
One of the highlights was recognition since four graduates were given special honors for extraordinary performance during their training. With great physical preparation, Trooper Kevin Francom received the Physical Fitness Award. Two times honored, Trooper Corbin Dougherty received the Firearms Trophy for marksmanship and the esteemed Superintendent’s Award for general achievement. Trover Ryan Brown received the Academics Award for his academic performance.
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Assignments of the 122nd Recruit Class
The 30 graduates have been assigned to various troops across Missouri. Below is a list of the new troopers, their hometowns, and their first assignments:
Troop A
- Trooper Louis T. Baggerly (Belton, MO) ─ Zone 7, Jackson County
- Trooper Lance J. Estes (Warsaw, MO) ─ Zone 15, Henry County
- Trooper Heisser A. Pujols Bido (Independence, MO) ─ Zone 14, Bates County
- Trooper Kemp M. Stewart (Joplin, MO) ─ Zone 6, Jackson County
- Trooper Reese E. Tayloe (Warrensburg, MO) ─ Zone 12, Johnson County
Troop B
- Trooper Austen E. Harrison (Macon, MO) ─ Zone 2, Macon County
Troop C
- Trooper Devin J. Bittick (Florissant, MO) ─ Zone 1, N. St. Louis County
- Trooper WrayVauze L. Givens (Mexico, MO) ─ Zone 10, Franklin County
- Trooper Adam C. Moran (Ste. Genevieve, MO) ─ Zone 13, Jefferson County
Troop D
- Trooper Hunter R. Burks (Fordland, MO) ─ Zone 16, Hickory and Dallas Counties
- Trooper Kyle R. Goddard (Republic, MO) ─ Zone 4, Stone and Taney Counties
- Trooper Forrestt R. Jones (Hollister, MO) ─ Zone 4, Stone and Taney Counties
- Trooper Jackson D. Lock (Nixa, MO) ─ Zone 1, Greene County
- Trooper Jacob W. Nuttall (Bolivar, MO) ─ Zone 6, Lawrence and Dade Counties
Troop E
- Trooper Ryan W. Brown (Doniphan, MO) ─ Zone 1, Butler and Ripley Counties
- Trooper Cody A. Naramore (Delta, MO) ─ Zone 6, Mississippi/New Madrid/Scott Counties
Troop F
- Trooper Colton R. Cavanaugh (Kansas City, MO) ─ Zone 6, Morgan and Moniteau Counties
- Trooper Grant M. Garrett (Camdenton, MO) ─ Zone 11, Camden and Miller Counties
- Trooper Dean M. Hagenhoff (Westphalia, MO) ─ Zone 2, Cole and S. Callaway Counties
- Trooper Martha A. Minarik (Algonquin, IL) ─ Zone 1, Cole and S. Callaway Counties
- Trooper Brittney S. Romano (Patton, MO) ─ Zone 7, Cooper and Howard Counties
Troop G
- Trooper Corbin M. Dougherty (Van Buren, MO) ─ Zone 8, Carter and Reynolds Counties
- Trooper Johnny D. Healy (West Plains, MO) ─ Zone 6, S. Howell and Oregon Counties
- Trooper Dustin B. Howell (Thayer, MO) ─ Zone 7, S. Howell and Oregon Counties
- Trooper Michael J. Rudy (Thayer, MO) ─ Zone 8, Carter and Reynolds Counties
Troop H
- Trooper Joshua D. Bedingfield (Magnolia, TX) ─ Zone 4, Grundy/Mercer/Livingston Counties
Troop I
- Trooper Collin A. Clinton (Rolla, MO) ─ Zone 2, Phelps and Maries Counties
- Trooper Kevin L. Francom (Sandy, UT) ─ Zone 4, Pulaski and Maries Counties
- Trooper Austin L. Gillispie (Bolivar, MO) ─ Zone 1, Phelps and Maries Counties
- Trooper Canaan L. Park (Seymour, MO) ─ Zone 6, Pulaski and Maries Counties
Soon integrating into different Missouri cities, 30 new troopers will replace the state’s prestigious Highway Patrol positions. Their presence supports the department’s commitment to guarantee public safety and preserve high levels of service.
These graduates, with their training finished and assignments ahead, are ready to honorably serve the people of Missouri.
