BY LEANN DILBECK –
Mike Lance of Mena was among twenty-eight Arkansas State Police Trooper Recruits who graduated Thursday, June 12, during ceremonies at the Arkansas State Capitol, after successfully completing a grueling training program.
Lance credited his start in law enforcement in Polk County following the ceremonies, “I would like to thank the City of Mena Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Department for giving me experience and a good start in law enforcement. I’m looking forward to starting my career with the Arkansas State Police.”
The recruits received the Oath of State Trooper Commission from the Honorable Clinton K. Jones, Washington County, District Judge.
The recruit class initially reported for duty on January 20th this year. Each class member has accumulated 1,044 hours of classroom studies and practical training. The recruits are eligible for 41 college credit hours toward a Criminal Justice degree from Black River Technical College at Pocahontas.
Governor Mike Beebe was the keynote speaker addressing the graduates and Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police, presented the new troopers their commissions.
Other dignitaries present included representatives of the Arkansas State Police Commission and State Police Division, Troop and Company commanders.
Lance, age 33, has been assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop H in Scott County, just north of Polk County. Recruit Lance is a graduate of Valor Christian College in Columbus, Ohio. He, along with his wife, Tosha, and their three children have already relocated.
Special recognition and awards were presented to the recruits who attained the highest scores within the respective training categories listed as follows:
• Academics
- Recruit Travis Eddleman
- Recruit Matthew Ritchie
- Recruit Jacob Boswell
• Physical Fitness
- Recruit Timothy Starson
- Recruit Stephen Lee
- Recruit Jacob Boswell
• Firearms
- Recruit Kyle Bost
- Recruit Logan Hall
- Recruit Randall Schwab
Upon reporting for duty at their respective troop headquarters, the new troopers will be placed with a certified departmental Field Training Officer (FTO). Each graduate will work in tandem with their respective FTO for a twelve-week transitional period prior to being released to their assignment.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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