December 21, 2023

(North Little Rock) – Fifty-two certified officer recruits became Arkansas State Troopers tonight during a graduation ceremony at Camp Robinson, making it the largest graduating class since 1977.

The new Troopers were among an initial field of 230 applicants who were tested and interviewed before entering a 10-week training program, where they completed approximately 760 hours of specialized instruction and practical training.

The graduates were sworn under oath as Arkansas State Troopers by Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Cody Hiland, who served as the keynote speaker.

Colonel Mike Hagar, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, Major Roby Rhoads, Corporal Keondrick Thompson, and Sergeant Chad Staley addressed the class during the ceremony. ASP senior command staff, troop and company commanders, the training section cadre, ASP Commissioners and ASP Foundation members were among the audience.

Special recognition and awards were presented to the recruits who attained the highest scores within the respective training categories listed as follows:

Academics:
1st place – Lydia Rogers
2nd place – Trey Smith
3rd place – Dylan Evans

Physical Fitness:
1st place – Justin Shackleford
2nd place – Shane Fox
3rd place – Hunter Grubbs

Firearms:
1st place – David Whipple
2nd place – Dylan Evans
3rd place – Lydia Rogers

Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC):
1st place – Tyler Ryals
2nd place – Mark Fallis
3rd place – Tre’ Davis

The recruit graduates and their first post assignments are listed as follows:

Thomas “Dylan” Evans, 2023-B Class Leader, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop D.

Highway Patrol Division
Troop A
Milton “Alex” Bratton
Amber Cass
Tre’ Davis
Andrew Garrison
Raul Parada
Robert Plyler
Tyler Ryals
Trey Smith
David Whipple

Troop B
Joshua Haley
Justin Parrish

Troop C
Christopher Dunham
Victor Garcia
Cody Jackson
Carter Lazenby
Lydia Rogers
Nash Thomas
Christian Underwood

Troop D
Dakota “Blake” Davis
Thomas “Dylan” Evans
Troop E
Jonathan Nutt
Lincoln Smith

Troop F
Alan “Mitchell” Butler
David Menotti

Troop G
Akari Alexander
Micah Brown
Richard “Zane” Butler
Matthew “Trent” Coffman
Landon Loe
Jacob Meadows
Gannon Tiller

Troop H
Dalton Lewis
Tucker Phelps
Justin Shackleford

Troop I
Jared Curtis
Cody Lee

Troop K
John “JD” Crow
Hunter Grubbs
Mathew Hall
Corbin Rideout
Mason Robinson
Cody Rollins
Jayson “Sean” Weston

Troop L
Tyler Smith
Brandon Walker

Criminal Investigation Division
Company A
Eric Varner

Company C
Mark Fallis
Judson “Dalton” Myers

Company D
Thurman “Kieth” Lunsford

Company E
Erick Riggs

Company F
Shane Fox

Internet Crimes Against Children Division
Danny Harris

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 transitional period prior to being released to their assignment.