Col. Eric T. Olson, Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces that 25 soldiers graduated from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. The ceremony was held in the Academy’s gymnasium, 1510 East Elm Street , Jefferson City, MO. The graduation ceremony was also livestreamed on the patrol’s Facebook page. The 112th class of recruits reported to the Academy on August 2, 2021. New soldiers will report for duty in their assigned troops on Monday, January 31, 2022.
Governor Michael L. Parson gave the commencement address and Colonel Olson also addressed the class at the graduation. The Honorable Patricia Breckenridge, Supreme Court of Missouri, administered the oath of office to new soldiers. Provost Roger K. McMillian, Vice President of Collegiate Affairs at Mineral Area College, awarded an associate’s degree in applied science to eight of the new soldiers. Troop F Color Guard presented the colors and Sergeant Andrew Henry (H) sang the national anthem. Pastor Dale D. Richey of Pisgah Baptist Church in Excelsior Springs, MO, provided the invocation and blessing.
Four class prizes were awarded at the graduation ceremony. Recruits accumulated points toward graduation in the fitness, firearms, and academic categories throughout their 25 weeks at the Academy. The person with the highest number of points in each category won the respective prize. Trooper Brandon T. Dorff accepted the fitness award. Cavalier Mathew D. Easton accepted the Academic Award. Trooper Nicholas I. Kucsik accepted the gun award. Private Nathan W. Downs accepted the Superintendent’s Award, which is awarded to the person with the most total points.
The names (hometowns) and first postings of members of the 112th Recruit Class are listed below:
Isaac L. Kimball (Columbia, MO), Zone 5, Ray and Carroll Counties
Joshua W. Eickhoff (Alma, MO), Zone 8, Lafayette County
Gregory A. Stineman (Cole Camp, MO), Area 11, Cass County
William M. Henderson (Edwards, MO), Zone 15, Henry County
Markus G. Burns (Greenridge, MO), Zone 7, Warren County
Lane C. Coleman (Ozark, MO), Area 8, St. Charles County
Brandon T. Dorff (Collinsville, CT), Zone 10, Franklin County
Nathan W. Downs (Troy, MO), Area 9, St. Charles County
Brent W. Katzing (Sedalia, MO), Zone 9, St. Charles County
Maurice Lang Jr. (Raymore, MO), Zone 2, N. St. Louis County
Patrick B. Martin (Jacksonville, IL), Zone 10, Franklin County
Tyson O. Murphy (Imperial, MO), Zone 1, N. St. Louis County
Collin J. Nichols (Troy, MO), Zone 7, Warren County
Joshua T. Parrott (Smithville, MO), Zone 8, St. Charles County
Marissa L. Harris (Montgomery City, MO), Area 15, Stone and Taney Counties
Christopher T. Schmidt (Rogersville, MO), Zone 4, Stone and Taney Counties
Scott J. Walden (Holt, MO), Area 14, Barry County
Kyle L. Hogan (Gainesville, MO), Zone 4, Bollinger/Cape Girardeau/Scott Counties
Nathaniel V. Bishop (Willow Springs, MO), Zone 9, New Madrid and Pemiscot Counties
Tyler S. Reinke (Lincoln, MO), Zone 10, Dunklin County
Richard W. Wylie (Wheaton, MO), Zone 11, Stoddard County
Matthew M. Guinnip (Hallsville, MO), Zone 16, Camden and Miller Counties
Matthew D. Easton (Hannibal, MO), Area 17, Camden and Miller Counties
Nicholas I. Kucsik (Bonnots Mill, MO), Zone 3, Crawford County
Elijah D. LeBlanc (Anderson, MO), Zone 2, Phelps and Maries County
