MARSHALL, MI (WTVB) – The Michigan State Police 135th Trooper Recruit School held graduation ceremonies for 101 new troopers Wednesday in Lansing.
Five of the new troopers will be assigned to the Marshall Post. One of them is Marshall native Tracey Smith.
Smith was a Captain and pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps. But the aircraft she flew, the EA-6B Prowler, was retired and eventually she pursued a law enforcement career.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer gave the keynote address at the Ceremonies saying they are the best of the best, and the very best is expected of them.
The total number of Michigan State Police troopers is nearly 1,300.
The 135th Trooper Recruit School began last September at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing. Recruits received training in various aspects of law enforcement over 28 weeks.
The next trooper recruit school is scheduled to start in June.
State officials say they will face a challenge in coming years to increase the size of future graduating classes to replace the large number of troopers who are reaching retirement age.
