Montana News

Montana Highway Patrol welcomes new troopers

Posted: Feb 8, 2013 6:56 PM by Melissa Anderson - MTN News

The Montana Highway Patrol minted nine new troopers on Friday in Helena.

After 22 months of intense training, the troopers were sworn in to take on their new duties.

The troopers were selected from 550 applicants for their strength, character, and dedication to the profession.

Trooper Lynwood Bateman of Whitehall said, "I've came home from Afghanistan twice, I've done a lot in my life, but this is by far the proudest moment I've ever experienced. When my mom and dad pinned on my badge I couldn't even hold back the tears."

And now that they are officially, they can't wait to begin their duties; Trooper Wade Lamb said, "It's really busy out there as you know, but we're really excited to get out there and start working out there."

Six of the nine troopers will patrol in eastern Montana, two will go to the Hi-Line, and one will serve in western Montana.

The graduates will spend the next nine weeks in field officer training before heading to their new patrol locations.

Lynwood S. Bateman, Jr.: Initial Station Assignment: Culbertson; Residence: Whitehall

Patrick G. Crisswell: Initial Station Assignment: Forsyth; Residence: Miles City

Barry A. Kilpela: Initial Station Assignment: Sidney; Residence: Breckenridge, CO

Thomas R. Kruse: Initial Station Assignment: Havre; Residence: Helena

Wade S. Lamb: Initial Station Assignment: Sidney; Residence: Helena

Nicholas A. Navarro: Initial Station Assignment: Glendive; Residence: Deer Lodge

Alan J. Petersen: Initial Station Assignment: Wolf Point; Residence: Sisseton, SD

Zachary J. Rehbein: Initial Station Assignment: Superior; Residence: Bozeman

Cody W.P. Smith: Initial Station Assignment: Chinook; Residence: Butte

Here is a photo of the ceremony shared with us by MTN News viewer Crystal Williams-Surbrugg: