UPDATE FEBRUARY 18, 2022:
South Dakota Highway Patrol Class 66 officially graduated today (Feb. 18, 2022) during a ceremony held at the State Capitol in Pierre.
Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Rick Miller told the nine graduates they are joining an organization with a long-standing tradition of excellence.
Among the Highway Patrol’s values are respect and courtesy. Miller said some people they encounter won’t treat them with either, but the new troopers must maintain composure.
Gov. Kristi Noem said the new Highway Patrol troopers have received the best training and equipment. Now they get to go out and use them.
Noem said since she’s become Governor, she’s received dozens and dozens of letters about South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers.
The recruits received their Highway Patrol vehicles today and reported to their duty stations after the ceremony.
Class 66 recruits and their duty stations are:
- Matthew Cooke, Rapid City
- Elyse Helkenn, Rapid City
- Matt Henry, Yankton
- Mitchell Lang, Chamberlain
- Oswaldo Padron, Vermillion
- Michael Peterson, Sisseton
- Jeremy Schuelke, Rapid City
- Kaleb Siferd, Rapid City
- Jacob Whitaker, Winner
Highway Patrol Trooper Mitchell Lang has been assigned to the Chamberlain area.
Image credit DRG Media Group.
Highway Patrol Trooper Jacob Whitaker has been assigned to the Winner area.
Image credit DRG Media Group.
Governor Kristi Noem speaks at the Feb. 18, 2022, graduation of South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper Class 66.
Image credit DRG Media Group.
Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Rick Miller speaks at the Feb. 18, 2022, graduation of South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper Class 66.
Image credit DRG Media Group.
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FEBRUARY 18, 2022:
Nine South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper recruits officially graduate today (Feb. 18, 2022) during a ceremony in the State Capitol Rotunda.
Graduation ceremonies for Class 66 start at 10am. Gov. Kristi Noem is the keynote speaker. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the Highway Patrol’s Facebook page.
“In South Dakota, we respect law enforcement for all that they do to keep us and our families safe,” said Noem. “These new graduates will join a long line of state troopers who put their lives on the line every day for communities across South Dakota.”
“These nine recruits have spent the last year training to be Highway Patrol troopers and this ceremony is a celebration of that accomplishment,” said Col. Rick Miller, superintendent of the Highway Patrol. “They all have shown a great desire to serve and protect the public.”
The recruits will receive their Highway Patrol vehicles today and report to their duty stations after the ceremony.
The Highway Patrol is an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
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