The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) commissioned 15 new troopers today at the 70th Advanced Academy Graduation ceremony at Helena’s Civic Center. MHP Colonel Steve Lavin and Attorney General Austin Knudsen addressed the graduates at the event before their badges were pinned and they were sworn in to their new positions as Highway Patrol Troopers.
Of Class 70’s fifteen cadets, nine are from Montana and six came from out of state (a full list is included below). All successfully passed a rigorous training that began in August.
In his remarks, Attorney General Knudsen emphasized the support and respect that Montanans have for their law enforcement officers.
“You will face additional scrutiny and often hostility that previous generations of law enforcement officers have not,” Attorney General Knudsen said to Class 70 during his remarks. “But when Montanans see your green uniform, they know you have their back. And as your attorney general, I want you to know that I have your back, and Montana citizens have your back as well – because this is a state that values law enforcement.”
Colonel Lavin, a 27-year MHP veteran, provided advice for a long career.
“You have all the tools at your disposal to make this a great career,” Colonel Lavin said. “Remember why you started, lean in to the wisdom of those who went before you, don’t be afraid to ask for help, keep doing the right thing, prioritize your family, and create boundaries to support a healthy work and life balance.”
The following awards were presented at the ceremony:
Camp Commander Award
Christopher Stephens
For exemplary standards and performance observed by the Camp Commanders in the 70th MHP Academy.
Physical Fitness Award
Taylor Corbett
For exemplary standards during the physical fitness curriculum in the 70th MHP Academy.
Academic Award
Jesse Short
For exemplary standards during the academic curriculum in the 70th MHP Academy.
The Michael Haynes Memorial Grant
End of Watch: March 27, 2009
This grant is presented to:
Taylor Corbett
In loving memory of Trooper Michael Haynes – MHP 159 by his wife, Tawny Haynes.
Members of the 70th Academy class include:
Eric Arnold
Hometown: Helena
Initial station: Helena
Patrick Bernhardt
Hometown: Helena
Initial station: Helena
Kendall Carden
Hometown: Park Falls, WI
Initial station: Helena
William Clark
Hometown: Rock River, WY
Initial station: Missoula
Taylor Corbett
Hometown: Billings
Initial station: Harlowton
Hannah Evans
Hometown: Kalispell
Initial station: Cut Bank
Luke Jester
Hometown: Boise, ID
Initial station: Hamilton
Gage Lewis
Hometown: Horseheads, NY
Initial station: Missoula
Kyle McLaughlin
Hometown: Belgrade
Initial station: Bozeman
Jesse Short
Hometown: Richmond, KY
Initial station: Helena
Christopher Stephens
Hometown: Gainesville, FL
Initial station: Kalispell
Brandyn Van Zee
Hometown: Billings
Initial station: Billings
Dustin Vap
Hometown: Billings
Initial station: Bozeman
Jacie Vonada
Hometown: Helena
Initial station: Helena
Matthew Wilson
Hometown: Boulder
Initial station: Boulder
On a related note, the Montana Highway Patrol is now accepting applications for new Troopers. Interested individuals should visit MHP’s website for details and to apply. For more information about the Trooper selection process and requirements, contact MHP at 1-(877) 8-PATROL toll-free or (406) 444-3259. The deadline to apply is March 24, 2021.
PRESS RELEASE PROVIDED BY MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE