A new graduate of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy will soon be on patrol in Howard County. Trooper Brittney S. Romano, a native of Patton, Mo., was assigned to the Patrol’s Troop F, Zone 7, which patrols Cooper and Howard counties.

Trooper Romano was one of 30 to graduate from the academy on Friday, December 20. The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. at the Patrol Academy’s gymnasium. The 122nd Recruit Class reported to the Academy on July 1, 2024. The new troopers will report to duty in their assigned troops on January 6, 2025.

The recruits accumulated points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness, firearms, and academics throughout their 25 weeks at the Academy.

The Honorable Robin Ransom, Supreme Court of Missouri, administered the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey provided the keynote address, and Colonel Olson also addressed the class. The Troop F Color Guard presented the colors, and the 135th Army Band, Missouri Army National Guard, performed the national anthem. Chaplain Kevin Kappler, US Missions, provided the invocation and benediction.