Gov. Walker: Welcomes 37 new officers to the Wisconsin State Patrol in La Crosse

The recent graduates have been assigned to work from one of the State Patrol’s five regional posts across the state. A total of 29 will begin their service as troopers with eight working as inspectors. Six of the new officers are military veterans and three are women. Troopers generally patrol highways to enforce traffic safety and criminal laws while inspectors help enforce state and federal motor carrier safety regulations that impact large trucks, buses and other commercial motor vehicles.

“We rely on our law enforcement professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during holidays, good and bad weather,” stated WisDOT Secretary Dave Ross. “I want to congratulate these recent graduates and recognize that we cannot thank them enough for choosing a career in law enforcement and keeping the roadways and all of us safe.”

Along with enforcing traffic and commercial motor vehicle laws, State Patrol officers fulfill many other roles such as crash reconstruction experts, airplane pilots, dignitary protection, K-9 or motorcycle officers. Last year, officers with the Wisconsin State Patrol made 245,099 traffic stops, handled 37,763 motorist assists, and inspected 37,082 commercial motor vehicles.

“To help ensure the safety of our officers and the citizens they serve, the Wisconsin State Patrol provides its troopers and inspectors some of the most comprehensive training offered in the nation,” said Captain Paul Matl, Commander of the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy. “The physical and academic training covers traffic and criminal laws, emergency vehicle operations and firearms proficiency, communication skills and crisis management, along with emergency lifesaving skills.”

The following is a list of the new officers, their hometowns, positions, county and region of assignment.

Wisconsin State Patrol 63rd Recruit Class