Thirteen South Dakota Highway Patrol recruits officially graduated Friday (June 12, 2026) during a ceremony in Fort Pierre.
The graduates– which include troopers stationed at Kadoka and Pierre– completed a training program that included 13 weeks at the Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy, followed by 10 weeks at the South Dakota Highway Patrol Academy and 10 weeks of field training.
Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Casey Collins said earning the state trooper uniform is a distinct privilege that represents a high standard of trust and responsibility. He said the success of these new troopers wouldn’t be possible without the encouragement and sacrifices made by the families, training staff and mentors who supported through the process.
Chief Justice Steven Jensen congratulated the graduates on their accomplishment and said they are public servants who must always perform their work with integrity, respect, excellence and fairness. He said the work the new troopers do will save lives, protect property and uphold the rule of law for citizens across the state.
Class 72 graduates and their duty stations are:
- Bryce Crawford, HP 88 – Kadoka;
- David Winnett, HP 197 – Pierre;
- Emery Aker, HP 59 – Brookings;
- Daniel Carlson, HP 85 – Beresford;
- Riley Folkers, HP 97 – Sioux Falls;
- Tori Hurtig, HP 105 – Vermillion;
- Camen Max, HP 115 – Rapid City;
- Lilja McKendry, HP 118 – Rapid City;
- Lance Palmer, HP 124 – Spearfish;
- Tyler Rasmussen, HP 138 – Sioux Falls;
- July Schmidt, HP 151 – Rapid City;
- Carter Spear, HP 148 – Rapid City;
- Connor Swaney, HP 166 – Sioux Falls.
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