 proudly announced the graduation of its 115th Trooper School class, 39 troops join the department){kind=link}
Georgia – The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) proudly announced the graduation of its 115th Trooper School class. The new group of 39 troopers, who are expected to contribute and provide significant boost to public safety, finished a tough 32-week training program at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth. This means they are now ready to join Georgia’s best law enforcement officers.
The challenging training program is meant to get individuals ready for the challenges of maintaining safety and order across the state. It had a split training schedule: 20 weeks were spent at the academy and 12 weeks were spent working in the field. In addition, the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council requires all troopers to complete at least 408 hours of Basic Mandate Training. This makes sure that they have all the important information and skills they need to do their jobs.
Governor Brian Kemp gave the graduation speech himself on Friday at a ceremony emphasizing the importance of their duty and service. They were also given their Oaths of Office, which are solemn pledge to serve and protect the people of Georgia with honesty and commitment.
Colonel Billy Hitchens, the commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, and Captain Craig Singletary, who is in charge of the training, also spoke to the new troopers and gave them advice and words of support as they start their jobs as police officers.
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The class president, Trooper Kenneth Williams, reflected on the journey the class had undertaken, quoting Kirby Smart: “When you step on that field, it’s not just about you. It’s about your teammates, your coaches, your family, and all those that supported you along the way. Remember your why, 115th be proud, be vigilant, and be safe!”
The ceremony also recognized outstanding graduates for their exceptional performance during the training. Trooper Daniel Pendleton was honored with the Driving Proficiency award and the prestigious Top Gun recognition. Trooper Austin Scott received the Firearms Proficiency award, while Trooper Christian Clark was acknowledged for having the Highest Academic Average.
Another graduate was bestowed the state’s second annual Patrick Dupree Leadership Award. Named in memory of Trooper Cadet Patrick Dupree, who tragically passed away in September 2022, the award celebrates leadership qualities displayed by cadets, honoring Dupree’s legacy and commitment to excellence.
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These new officers will be sent to different patrol posts across Georgia. This shows the state commitment and dedication to public safety and community service.
Each commissioned Trooper will report to the following assigned post:
| Trooper’s Name | Home County | Assigned Post |
| Daniel Pendleton | Berrien County | Post 31 – Valdosta |
| Christian Clark | Bulloch County | Post 45 – Statesboro |
| Adam Figueroa | Cherokee County | Post 28 – Jasper |
| Dwayne Cameron | Cobb County | Post 9 – Marietta |
| Heidy Terrero | Bulloch County | Post 42 – Rincon |
| James Jovan | Gwinnett County | Post 51 – Gwinnett |
| Dakota Metts | Bacon County | Post 23 – Brunswick |
| Steven Greiner | Columbia County | Post 25 – Grovetown |
| Rusty Evans | Grady County | Post 14 – Colquitt |
| Kenneth Williams | Jeff Davis County | Post 16 – Hazelhurst |
| Richard Bath | Floyd County | Post 3 – Cartersville |
| Austin Scott | Paulding County | Post 29 – Paulding |
| Joshua Webster | Bartow County | Post 3 – Cartersville |
| Marquavious Jackson | Oglethorpe County | Post 6 – Gainesville |
| Jonathan Negron | Cobb County | Post 49 – Motor Unit |
| Garrett Jones | Colquitt County | Post 12 – Thomasville |
| Marco Zamora-Avalos | Lenoir County | Post 30 – Cordele |
| Daniel Ivey | Telfair County | Post 16 – Hazelhurst |
| Isaiah Wilkins | Gordon County | Post 23 – Brunswick |
| Zackary Herrington | Coffee County | Post 36 – Douglas |
| David Hunter | Harris County | Post 2 – Lagrange |
| Gage Pace | Fulton County | Post 5 – Dalton |
| Nekoda Farinha | Bryan County | Post 42 – Rincon |
| Douglas Brown | Pike County | Post 1 – Griffin |
| Jonathan Concepcion | Effingham County | Post 42 – Rincon |
| Timothy Pattison | Cherokee County | Post 3 – Cartersville |
| Darren Wiggins | Bartow County | Post 3 – Cartersville |
| Matthew Wannamaker | Fulton County | Post 42 – Rincon |
| Cannon Hicks | Douglas County | Post 4 – Villa Rica |
| Eric Jackson | Fulton County | Post 47 – Forest Park |
| Isaiah Francois | Bulloch County | Post 45 – Statesboro |
| Keith Jones | Montgomery County | Post 48 – Atlanta |
| Brandon Brown | Washington County | Post 33 – Milledgeville |
| James Teston | Bleckley County | Post 20 – Dublin |
| Garrett Glover | Lee County | Post 39 – Cuthbert |
| Wendel White | Houston County | Post 15 – Perry |
| Cody Rollins | Pickens County | Post 28 – Jasper |
| Davied Robertson | Walton County | Post 46 – Monroe |
| Austin Fitzhugh | Fulton County | Post 48 – Atlanta |