35 new cadets join Minnesota State Patrol force: "I want to make a difference"
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota State Patrol welcomed a new graduating class on Tuesday. Thirty-five cadets became troopers during a ceremony at the University of Minnesota.
"It's exciting. I've been waiting a long time for this," trooper Justin Mathes said.
Each had a different path that led them here. Some have experience in healthcare, real estate and sales.
Jeremy Plonski was a dispatcher and serves in the National Guard.
"I wanted to do this since age 15 when I was first introduced to law enforcement in my drivers ed class with a trooper there," Plonski said.
They trained intensely for 14 weeks in order to take the oath.
"You have to know why you want to be here, you have to be mentally tough and physically tough," trooper Jonathon Stearns said.
Stearns dad is a fellow trooper. He pinned him during the ceremony. Stearns called one of the greatest moments of his life.
"I grew up around this environment, family and he's been a hero for me my entire life. I've always looked up to him," Stearns said.
This class fills the openings at the Minnesota State Patrol at a time when recruitment is challenging.
"I'm always going to be there to help no matter what," Mathes said.
They say they're ready to serve.
"We're excited and anxious to get out there. We have a drive to get out there and keep Minnesota roads safe," Plonski said.
The graduates will go through more training with the BCA, do field training with another trooper, then start solo patrols at the end of January.
The troopers will be assigned to positions across the state from Pipestone to Bemidji to St. Paul.
