Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, has announced that 21 troopers graduated from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy on Friday, June 26.
A news release says attendance at the ceremony was by invitation only.
The 109th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on January 6, 2020, for the 25-week training to become a trooper.
Four class awards were presented. The recruits accumulated points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness, firearms and academics.
Trooper Margarito Gallo Mejia accepted the Physical Fitness Award. Trooper Tanner L. Wallace accepted the Firearms Award and the Academics Award. Trooper Colin E. Osborne accepted the Superintendent’s Award, which is presented to the person with the most points overall.
Troopers with either ties or to be assigned to a zone in the KMMO listening area include: Troop A- Colin E. Osborne, of Kirksville, Zone 9, Lafayette County; and Thomas J. Whitaker, of Joplin, Zone 12, Johnson County.
The new troopers will report to duty in their assigned troops on July 13, 2020.