HELENA – The Montana Highway Patrol commissioned six new troopers today at the 64^th  Advanced Academy Graduation ceremony.  Attorney General Tim Fox addressed the graduates at the event, which took place at the Delta Colonial Hotel in Helena.

 

In his remarks, Attorney General Fox reminded the new troopers of Patrol’s 83-year history and the important role it continues to play in keeping the public safe.  “Your heritage is rooted in the earliest days of Montana, when the law and order that we take for granted did not exist,” Attorney General Tim Fox said. “The dangers on our highways today are not the same as they were then, but now as then, the lives and safety of Montanans depends on you. Your conduct, your decisions, your training, can be the difference between life and death,” Fox added.

 

At the ceremony, four awards were presented:

 

Physical Fitness Award

Casey L. Graff

Awarded for exemplary standards during the physical fitness curriculum in the 64^th MHP Academy.

 

The Michael Haynes Memorial Grant

End of Watch:  March 27, 2009

This grant is presented to:  Andrew J. Barbera

This award was presented in loving memory of Trooper Michael W. Haynes – MHP 159 by his wife, Tawny Haynes Norton.

 

Academic Award

Andrew J. Barbera

Awarded for exemplary standards during the academic curriculum in the 64^thMHP Academy.

 

Camp Commander Award

Martin Corona

Awarded for exemplary standards and performance observed by the Camp Commanders in the 64^th MHP Academy.

 

Members of the 64^th academy class include:

 

Andrew Barbera                                              

Hometown:  Hamilton, Montana

Initial Station:  Red Lodge

 

Martin Corona                                       

Hometown:  San Jose, California

Initial Station:   Bozeman

 

Julian Gallegos                                             

Hometown:  Polson, Montana

Initial Station:  Bozeman

 

Casey Graff                                       

Hometown:  Troy, Montana

Initial Station:  Billings

 

Tyler Heller                                              

Hometown:  Helena, Montana

Initial Station:  Billings

 

Lane Knows His Gun                                                 

Hometown:  Colstrip, Montana

Initial Station:  Sidney

 

On a related note, the Montana Highway Patrol will begin accepting applications for ten open Trooper positions.  Interested individuals should visit MHP’s website for further details and application instructions when this link is made active on September 10:  https://dojmt.gov/highwaypatrol/.  For more information about the Trooper selection process and requirements, contact MHP at 1-(877) 8-PATROL toll-free or (406) 444-3259.

 

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