Photo courtesy of MHP
After a rigorous 22 weeks of training, 24 new troopers have joined the ranks of the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Like many others celebrating graduation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cadet Class 64’s swearing-in ceremony had a different look to it. Typically, large ceremonies are held for cadets as family, friends and state leaders gather together to celebrate the new troopers and their commitment to serve the state of Mississippi, but as we all know, that’s not possible for the time being.
With that said, Cadet Class 64 was joined by Keynote Speaker Governor Tate Reeves and Mississippi Supreme Court Judge James Kitchens during the socially-distanced ceremony that took place on Friday.
“Today, 24 new Troopers were sworn in to execute our laws. No one would have known 22 weeks ago a pandemic would cheat them of celebrating this day with their families & friends. Special thanks to Governor Tate Reeves & Presiding Justice James Kitchens.” – Colonel Chris Gillard pic.twitter.com/aH2aJmmlDo
— MS Highway Patrol (@MSHwyPatrol) May 2, 2020
During Trooper School, cadets were instructed in various subjects such as Constitutional Law, Accident Reconstruction, Driving, Firearms, Field Sobriety, Defensive Tactics, report writing and much more.
According to the MHP, training for Class 64 had to be restructured and was completed through online courses in order to meet all necessary requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 24 new troopers will now go through the Field Training program before being released to patrol the state on their own.
You can watch the full ceremony below.
SSGT Kenneth Tarleton stands proudly by his daughter Tpr Kentija Tarleton who was sworn in today as a Mississippi State Trooper from class #64. #PursueTheCall pic.twitter.com/CUINCdGhm4
— MHP Recruiting (@RecruitingMHP) May 2, 2020
A final release for class #64 with a honorable salute from the command staff. Congratulations to the 24 newly sworn in Trooper’s. 🚔🚔 #PursueTheCall pic.twitter.com/5VTr3X2gUF
— MHP Recruiting (@RecruitingMHP) May 2, 2020
