PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – The traditional graduation ceremony will have to wait, but the newest class of South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper recruits complete their training this week.

Thursday was scheduled to be the graduation ceremony for Class 62 held in the state Capitol Rotunda. But for safety reasons due to COVID-19, the ceremony will be held at a later date. More details on that ceremony will be announced later.

Instead, the 12 recruits will be in Pierre Thursday (today) to receive their patrol vehicles and final equipment. The new troopers will then head to their duty stations to begin their Highway Patrol trooper careers.

“The Highway Patrol recruit graduation is a symbolic rite of passage and it is important that everyone’s hard work and dedication is recognized,” said Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Rick Miller. “Not having a graduation ceremony right now does not diminish what these recruits have accomplished. They are ready to serve our state and we are proud of them.”

Those graduates who are part of Class 62 and their duty stations are: Troy Archambeault, Faith; Patrick Barnes, Murdo; Colt Frerich, Wall; Dylan Herr, Huron; Taran Hunt, Rapid City; John Marnette, Redfield; Nathan Moore, Pierre; Paul Pelayo, Winner; Kurt Pickard, Chamberlain; Louis Plunkett, Rapid City; Samantha Pulse, Parkston; and, Cody Sellhorst, Philip.

South Dakota’s Highway Patrol is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.