After successfully completing a comprehensive training program and field training, ten troopers graduated from the North Dakota Law Enforcement Training Academy on Friday, Sept. 14. The newly sworn North Dakota Highway Patrol troopers began the academy on Jan. 8 and completed the 24-week training and field program in late August.
Lt. Governor Brent Sanford gave the graduation address and thanked the troopers for their hard work, dedication, and promise to protect the citizens of North Dakota. Chief Justice Gerald Vandewalle administered the oath of office. Badges, which are only issued to duly appointed and acting members of the highway patrol were presented by Colonel Brandon Solberg and pinned by family members chosen by the graduates.
Lt. Daniel Haugen, Training Director of the NDHP Law Enforcement Academy, stated, “These recruits have worked extremely hard in demonstrating their abilities to perform all tasks required by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.” He proudly presented the 2018 graduating class to family and friends and noted, “You are an extremely intelligent group and it was a pleasure working with you, I have the utmost confidence that you will be successful”.
Five of the ten troopers will be stationed in Williston, and one each stationed in Bottineau, Cavalier, Killdeer, Devils Lake and Watford City.
New NDHP Troopers: Joshua Wold, Thomas Steenstrup, Peter Minwegen, Tucker McDonald, Darby Kessner, Major Hopp, Shawn Fulwider, Brandon Dalzell, Michael Brown, and Nathan Boll