The 42 newest members of the Indiana State Police reported for duty today at the 14 State Police Posts across the state.
On Tuesday, December 23, 2014, after 23 weeks of intense training, the 74th Recruit Academy took their oath of office to serve and protect the citizens of the State of Indiana. The graduation ceremony was a culmination of training in subjects including criminal and traffic law, crash investigations, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms, and a host of other subjects related to modern policing.
The Jasper District is very pleased to welcome four Troopers from the 74th Class: Troopers Samuel Gillespie, Kaitlyn Greene, Justin Mears, and Paul Nanney. The four will work alongside seasoned troopers for the next three months prior to working within their assignments on solo patrol.
Trooper Gillespie, originally from Bedford, Indiana, graduated from Bedford North Lawrence High School and Danville Area Community College (Danville, Illinois), where he majored in Psychology. Trooper Gillespie is the grandson of Trooper Robert C. Gillespie, who was killed in the line of duty on June 8, 1962. Trooper Gillespie will primarily patrol Orange County.
Trooper Greene, originally from Rockport, Indiana, graduated from South Spencer High School in 2009 and attended the University of Southern Indiana and Vincennes University, receiving an Associates Degree. Greene is an active volunteer member of the Chrisney Fire Department, Spencer County Search and Rescue, and Spencer County Water Rescue Team. Greene is the daughter of Sergeant Sherri Heichelbech and becomes the first mother-daughter active duty relationship on the department. Trooper Greene will primarily patrol Spencer County.
Trooper Mears, originally from Louisville, Kentucky, attended Fern Creek Traditional High School and Jefferson Community College (both in Louisville, Kentucky), with a major in Criminal Justice. Mears holds a student pilot’s license and has over 100 hours of aircraft flight time. Trooper Mears will primarily patrol Crawford County.
Trooper Nanney, originally from Louisville, Kentucky, was home schooled through high school and attended Jefferson Community and Technical College (Louisville, Kentucky), where he majored in Communications. Nanney worked as a Correctional Officer at the Roederer Correctional Complex (LaGrange, Kentucky) prior to attending the State Police Academy. Trooper Nanney will primarily patrol Crawford County.
*Attached photograph is of (L to R): Trooper Greene, Trooper Mears, Trooper Gillespie, Trooper Nanney
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