Ludington woman among state police recruit school graduates.

Ludington woman among state police recruit school graduates.

LANSING — Jennifer Alway of Ludington was among the 127 to graduate from the 133rd Michigan State Police Trooper School this afternoon. Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP, administered the Oath of Office during the ceremony at the Lansing Center. Alway has been assigned to the Lakeview Post. Alway is also a graduate of Manistee Catholic Central High School, West Shore Community College and Ohio State University.

“These men and women have chosen a very rewarding career,” said graduation keynote speaker, Governor Rick Snyder. “We wish our newest troopers safety each day. Thank you for dedicating your life to serving and protecting the residents of our great state.”

In her address to the graduates, Etue said, “I know you chose this career to help people and to keep communities safe. Strive every day to make a positive impact in the lives of the citizens we serve.”

Tpr. Brendan Stanford was elected Class Orator by his fellow recruits and spoke on behalf of the graduating class at today’s ceremony. Other award recipients included Tpr. Andrew Bilbrey who received the Academic Achievement Award, Tpr. Shane Hauff who received the Team Building Award and Tpr. Shaun Garvey who received both the Marksmanship Award and Outstanding Performance Award.

The 133rd Trooper Recruit School began on June 4, 2017, when 160 prospective troopers reported to the MSP Training Academy in Lansing. For the past 26 weeks, recruits received training in firearms, water safety, defensive tactics, patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing and precision driving.

In order to be selected to attend the academy, all applicants had to pass a stringent selection process that included a physical fitness test, background investigation and hiring interview.

As part of the department’s commitment to community outreach and service, the recruits volunteered at Mt. Hope Elementary School, delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, worked in soup kitchens in Ingham County, sorted clothes at Upscale Resale Store in Lansing and exercised with students at Maple Valley High School in Vermontville.

Four of the graduates have been assigned to the Hart post. They include, Conner Crutchfield of Frankfort, David Dawson of Niles, Andrew Lindsay of Trenton and Joseph Tafralian of Novi.

The MSP is actively recruiting for a trooper recruit school anticipated to begin in January; interested candidates should visit www.michigan.gov/mspjobs for more information on how to apply.