Mary Graham

Forty-two new Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers graduated from the Patrol's Law Enforcement Academy Friday, July 11, in Jefferson City, Mo. They will report for duty on July 28. The 87th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on January 7, 2008. Graduation ceremonies for the 87th Recruit Class were held at 9 a.m. on the south lawn of Missouri's Capitol.

During the graduation ceremony, Special Agent In Charge Monte C. Strait, from the Kansas City Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation addressed the class. The Honorable Carol England, associate circuit judge for Division VI, within the 13th Judicial Circuit Court, administered the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Pastor Scott Cooper, Capital City Christian Church, Jefferson City, gave the invocation and benediction. The Troop F Honor Guard presented and retired the colors, and Cpl. John H. Lueckenhoff, Troop D, sang the national anthem.

Twenty-four of the new troopers received an associate's of applied science degree from Mineral Area College based on their course work at the Academy. Dean Gil Kennon, vice president of college affairs for Mineral Area College, conferred the degrees.

Christopher Hamlett

Four class awards were presented. The recruits accumulated points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness, firearms, and academics throughout their 27 weeks at the Academy. The person with the highest number of points in each category earns the respective award.

The Physical Fitness Award went to Trooper Shawn A. Brazas. The Firearms Award went to Trooper Jason W. Conklin. Trooper Bradley L. Crockett earned the Academic Award for the class. The Superintendent's Award for overall achievement was presented to Trooper Joseph D. Flynn.

Several area residents were among the graduating troopers:

Levi Rawson

Mary K. Graham of Dexter, who is assigned to Troop C, Zone 13, Jefferson County.

Levi E. Rawson of Dexter, who is assigned to Troop E, Zone 11, Stoddard County.

Travis D. Templemire of Dexter, who is assigned to Troop E, Zone 11, Stoddard County.

Steven Spain

Christopher D. Hamlett of Kennett, who is assigned to Troop E, Zone 7, Scott-Mississippi-New Madrid counties.

Steven M. Spain of Kennett, who assignd to Troop E, Zone 6,Scott-Mississippi-New Madrid counties.

Travis Templemire