Indianapolis: The 46 newest members of the Indiana State Police received their patrol cars this morning in Indianapolis, signifying the end of their initial training and the beginning of their careers in solo patrol.
The 73rd Recruit Academy graduated on May 14, 2014 after completing approximately 917 hours of structured training at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield, Indiana. Academy curriculum includes criminal and traffic law, general police subjects, arrest techniques, emergency driving, physical tactics, and firearms qualifications.
After completion of Recruit School, the Probationary Troopers worked and were evaluated for three months by field training officers in the districts they were assigned. This period enhanced their knowledge learned in the academy and allowed them to apply the understanding to real life situations.
The Jasper District received three Troopers from the 73rd class: Troopers Ross Johnson, Andrew Watson, and Mitchell Wier.
Trooper Johnson, originally from Newton, Illinois, is a 2010 graduate of Newton Community High School and a 2013 graduate of Olivet Nazarene University (Bourbonnais, Illinois), where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. Trooper Johnson will primarily patrol Dubois County.
Trooper Watson, originally from Washington, Indiana, is a 2008 graduate of North Daviess High School and a 2010 graduate of The Chef’s Academy, where he earned an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Culinary Arts. Trooper Watson worked for the JW Mariott Hotel in Indianapolis prior to joining the State Police, and has been married to his wife, Katlyn, for two years. Trooper Watson will primarily patrol Daviess and Martin Counties.
Trooper Wier, originally of Plainville, Indiana, is a 2008 graduate of North Daviess High School. After high school, Wier completed one year at Campbellsville University before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he served four years and attained the rank of Sergeant. Wier is the son of Master Trooper Gary Wier, who also serves in the Jasper District, and is engaged to Whitley Henderson, daughter of Master Trooper Detective David Henderson of the Jasper Post. Trooper Wier will primarily patrol Daviess and Martin Counties.
* Photos are of Troopers Ross Johnson, Andrew Watson, and Mitchell Wier.
* The group photo is L to R: Watson, Wier, and Johnson
* Additional photographs from this morning can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Philip-Hensley-Indiana-State-Police/691967697483209
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