Ripley County-On Monday October 31st, two new troopers reported for duty at the Indiana State Police Post in Versailles. They are two of the 55 new troopers reporting to their districts after graduating from the 76th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy on Thursday, October 20, 2016.
The new troopers completed over 900 hours of intense training during the 22 week academy. During the academy, recruits were given training in numerous subject areas including criminal and traffic law, vehicle accident investigations, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, and firearm training in addition to numerous other subjects related to policing.
The new probationary troopers assigned to the Versailles Post are:
Trooper Derek Eggers, age 25, is a 2010 graduate of Columbus North High School, Columbus, Indiana. After high school graduation, Eggers attended Indiana University-Purdue University-Columbus for three years while studying psychology. Prior to being hired by the Indiana State Police, Trooper Eggers was employed as a Corrections Officer with the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department for six years. He currently resides in Columbus, Indiana and is engaged to be married.
Trooper Trevor Tucker, age 23, is a 2011 graduate of Batesville High School, Batesville, Indiana. After high school graduation, Tucker attended Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis where he graduated this year with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Trooper Tucker currently resides in Batesville, Indiana.
The two new probationary troopers will now undergo a three month training with a field training officer as part of the Indiana State Police FTO program. During the three months, they will be paired up with a veteran trooper who will additionally train the probationary troopers in a real life environment. Upon successfully completing the field training program, the three new troopers will receive their own police vehicles and begin solo patrols.
After receiving there police vehicles, both troopers will primarily be assigned to work Zone 1 of the Versailles District, which covers Bartholomew and Jackson Counties.
Attached Pictures: Picture 1: Trooper Derek Eggers
Picture 2: Trooper Trevor Tucker
-30- SGT. STEPHEN WHEELES
