On December 19, thirty-six new troopers graduated from the 80th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy after completing a journey of 25 weeks of intense training. The recruits completed over 1,100 hours of academic and hands-on training in criminal and traffic law, crash investigation, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms, and other classes necessary modern policing.
Four of the troopers have been assigned to the Indiana State Police Toll Road Post and will now begin three months of field training working next to several different experienced field training officers. After successfully completing this phase the troopers will be issued their own police cars and begin solo patrol on the Indiana Toll Road.
Garrett Tharp, 21, is a 2018 graduate of Plymouth High School. After high school, Tharp attended Ancilla College earning an associate degree in Criminal Justice. Tharp will patrol the Indiana Toll Road in St. Joseph, Elkhart, and LaGrange County.
Samuel Waterhouse, 23, is a 2016 graduate of Garrett High School. Waterhouse joined the Indiana National Guard in 2017 and is still presently a member. He will patrol the Indiana Toll Road in St. Joseph, Elkhart, and LaGrange County.
Bryce Bustamante, 23, is a 2015 graduate of LaVille High School. After high school Bustamante attended Ancilla College earning an associate degree in Criminal Justice. He will patrol the Indiana Toll Road in Porter, LaPorte, and St. Joseph County.
Casey Davis, 28, is a 2011 graduate of Wawasee High School. Following high school Davis joined the United States Marine Corps where he served for seven years. He will patrol the Indiana Toll Road in LaGrange and Steuben County.
