PIERRE, S.D. (KCCR) – With the South Dakota State Capitol behind them under a warm cloudless blue sky 11 South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper Recruits officially transitioned to Troopers last Friday. Graduation for the 62nd Class of Highway Patrol officers was postponed from earlier this year due to coronavirus concerns.
Colonel Rick Miller of the Highway Patrol says it’s important the Troopers come home at the end of their shift.
Governor Kristi Noem encouraged Class 62 to live up to the oaths they’ve taken.
Class 62’s response was given by Trooper Troy Archambeault who is stationed in Faith.
Class 62’s graduation was originally planned for April 9 before the coronavirus pandemic postponed it. It also marks the third straight Trooper graduation to be postponed as winter storms paused the process in 2018 and 2019. New troopers assigned to central South Dakota include: Nathan Moore, HP-136 in Pierre; Patrick Barnes, HP-67 in Murdo; Paul Pelayo, HP 180 in Winner and Cody Sllhorst, HP-103 in Phillip.
Those who graduated include:
Troy Archambeault HP 65 Faith
Colt Frerich HP 87 Wall
Dylan Herr HP 98 Huron
Taran Hunt HP 105 Rapid City
John Marnette HP 189 Redfield
Paul Pelayo HP 180 Winner
Louis Plunkett HP 164 Rapid City
Samantha Pulse HP 169 Parkston