Meet Georgia’s Newest State Troopers

The Gist: The newest batch of Georgia State Troopers completed their 32-week training journey, graduating in a ceremony featuring an address by Governor Brian Kemp. Four standout graduates received special honors, while the second annual Patrick Dupree Leadership Award marked a poignant moment for the occasion.

What Happened?: The Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth was a hive of pride and anticipation on September 8, as 37 new Troopers joined the ranks of the Georgia State Patrol. The 114th Trooper School graduation ceremony showcased remarks by key figures, including Governor Brian Kemp and Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, Lt. Colonel Billy Hitchens.

By The Numbers:

• 32 weeks of rigorous training
• 37 new Troopers
• 1,400-plus hours of diverse training, far surpassing the state-required 408 hours
• Four special proficiency honors awarded

Why It Matters: This is about more than uniforms and patrol cars. These Troopers go through intense training to protect and serve Georgia communities. They’re well above the state-required 408 hours of Basic Mandate Training by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. These officers are proficient in everything from criminal law to Spanish.

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Special Honors:

• Driving Proficiency: Douglas Hughes
• Firearms Proficiency: Aaron Guillaume
• Top Gun and Highest Academic Average: Jacob Stansell
  Stansell, who scored an academic average of 98.07, also received the CPL Chadwick LeCroy scholarship for higher education.

In Memoriam: The Patrick Dupree Leadership Award went to Trooper Robert Merrell. The award gains special prominence this year, marking the passing of Cadet Patrick Dupree, who died on the very date of this graduation last year during training.

What’s Next? The new Troopers will soon hit the roads and highways of Georgia, reporting to one of the 52 patrol posts around the state. Their journey, in the words of Class President Andy Benjamin, is “truly just beginning.”

The Troopers: Here are Georgia’s newest state troopers.