Meet Georgia’s newest state troopers

The Georgia State Patrol graduated its 111th Trooper School on Friday at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth.

After 32 weeks of intense training, 41 new troopers will report to one of the 52 patrol posts throughout the state.

Governor Brian Kemp was the keynote speaker, and also issued the Oath of Office.  Additionally remarks were given by Colonel Chris C. Wright, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, and Captain Clayton Kicklighter, Director of Training. 

Trooper Cadets spend 20 weeks at the academy and 12 weeks in field training.  The Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council requires that all peace officers receive a minimum of 408 hours of Basic Mandate Training. 

At the completion of Trooper School, these newly graduated troopers received over 1,400 hours of training, including driving, defensive tactics, vehicle stops, Spanish, criminal law and criminal procedure, firearms, accident investigation, and various other training.

During remarks to his fellow class members, Trooper Matthew Bellflower, class president, reflected on their journey through Trooper School. “We earned this, this was not given to us,” Bellflower said.  “I challenge each of you to develop your individual professionalism that coincides with the professionalism of the Georgia State Patrol.” 

Trooper Townsend also received a $5,000 scholarship towards a Master’s degree from Reinhardt University for having the highest academic average, 95.55,  in his class. This scholarship is named after CPL Chadwick LeCroy who was killed in the line of duty on December 27, 2010.  

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Four of the graduates received special honors for top performance in various proficiencies. The honorees were: 

• Driving Proficiency – Trooper Cameron Fernandez
• Firearms Proficiency – Trooper Dylan Smith
• Top Gun – Trooper Christopher Cronsell
• Highest Academic Average – Trooper Ryan Townsend

Additionally, the following graduates were recognized for their leadership: Trooper Joseph Elsberry, Vice President; Trooper Ryan Townsend, Secretary; Trooper Joseph Song, Chaplain; Trooper Cedric Riche, Sergeant-at-Arms; and Trooper Devin Story, Pennant Bearer.

Each commissioned trooper will report to the following assigned post: