Six new troopers graduated from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy  on Friday, April 14, including Dustin W. Harrison of Higbee.  He will be assigned to Troop B, which patrols Randolph and Monroe Counties.

The ceremony took place in the Academy gymnasium in Jefferson City. The 116th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on January 3, 2023. This was an accelerated recruit class. The new troopers will report to duty in their assigned troops on April 24, 2023.

The Honorable Robin Ransom, Supreme Court of Missouri provided the keynote address and administered the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Col. Eric T. Olson also addressed the class during the graduation. The Troop F Color Guard presented the colors and Sergeant Andrew A. Henry, Troop H, sang the national anthem. Trooper Dylan G. Green, class chaplain, provided the invocation and benediction.

Four class awards were presented during the graduation ceremony. The recruits accumulated points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness, firearms, and academics throughout their 15 weeks at the Academy. The person with the highest number of points in each category earned the respective award. Trooper Brett E. Twenter accepted the Physical Training Award. Trooper Eleanor A. Ferrel accepted the Academic Award. Trooper Eleanore A. Ferrel accepted the Firearms Award. Trooper Brett E. Twenter accepted the Superintendent’s Award, which is presented to the person with the most points overall.

Trooper Twenter, from Pilot Grove, was assigned to Troop F, which patrol Howard and Cooper Counties.