Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announced that five troopers graduated from the Patrol’s Accelerated Law Enforcement Academy today, April 17, 2024. The ceremony was held at 10 a.m. at the Patrol Academy’s gymnasium. The 119th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on January 2, 2024. The new troopers will report for duty in their assigned troops on April 29, 2024.
The Honorable Robin Ransom, Supreme Court of Missouri, administered the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Sandra K. Karsten delivered the keynote address, and Colonel Olson also addressed the class. The Troop F Color Guard presented the colors, and Trooper Samuel Crosson, a member of the 119th Recruit Class, sang the national anthem. Pastor Tim Smith of Aurora Springs Baptist Church in Eldon, MO, delivered the invocation and benediction.
Four awards were presented during the graduation ceremony. The recruits accumulated points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness, firearms, and academics throughout their 15 weeks at the Academy. The Superintendent’s Award is given to the recruit with the highest overall score. Trooper Robert Watkins received the Physical Fitness, Firearms, Academics, and Superintendent’s awards.
Graduation ceremonies from the Missouri State Highway Patrol academy were streamed on the patrol’s Facebook page.
Below are the names, hometowns, and first assignments of the members of the 119th Recruit Class:
Troop A
- Trooper Samuel J. Crosson (Odessa, MO) — Zone 8, Lafayette County
- Trooper Ryan T. McFatrich (Lexington, MO) — Zone 8, Lafayette County
- Trooper Matthew T. Tucker (Harrisonville, MO) — Zone 11, Cass County
Troop D
- Trooper Robert Watkins (Springfield, MO) — Zone 2, Greene County
Troop E
- Trooper Trevor C. Sutton (Poplar Bluff, MO) — Zone 1, Butler/Ripley Counties
