SIMON RAJALA

LANSING — Michigan communities will soon benefit from the addition of 50 state troopers who graduated Frisay afternoon from the 149th Trooper Recruit School. During the ceremony in Lansing, Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP) administered the Oath of Office to the graduates who begin their assignments at MSP posts across the state this week.

“I am grateful for your dedication to our state and I want you to know that I have your back,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “I truly believe there is no greater calling than public service and the career you have chosen shows you are willing to make a real difference in people’s lives. Know that I will work hard to ensure you and all our first responders have the resources and support you need to solve crimes, save lives and keep our communities safe. Since I took office, I’ve signed bipartisan budgets investing more than $1.6 billion into public safety, including the MSP, and I’ll work with anyone to make sure you have the resources you need to do your jobs and return home safely at the end of every shift.”

The latest Trooper Recruit School began las July the MSP Training Academy in Dimondale. Recruits received training in patrol techniques and crime investigation, report writing, ethics, cultural diversity and implicit bias, decision making, leadership, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing, firearms, water safety, defensive tactics and precision driving.

“As Director of the Michigan State Police, it gives me immense pride to know that over the last 20 weeks, our training staff have prepared these recruits with the skills necessary to be competent and safe troopers and instilled in them the leadership and critical decision-making skills needed to ensure their success in modern policing,” Grady said. “I look forward to seeing the impactful and positive work these 50 troopers will do in communities across our state, as we work to build a Michigan where everyone feels safe and secure.”

Tpr. James Freund was elected class orator by his fellow recruits and spoke on behalf of the graduating class at the ceremony. Prior to today’s ceremony, Tpr. Michael Cosenza received the Outstanding Performance Award, Tpr. Canon Rose received the Team Building Award, Tpr. Julion McCray received the Physical Fitness Award, Tpr. Brad Renwick received the Academic Achievement Award, Tpr. Nicholas Smith received the Marksmanship Award and Tpr. Zachery Sackett received the Sgt. Matt Rogers Driving Excellence Award.

Sacket, from Baraga, was one of two men from the Keweenaw in the class of new troopers. Joining him was Simon Rajala of Atlantic Mine. He was assigned to the Wakefield Post, while Sacket began his career this week assigned to the Calumet Post.