Area natives begin State Police careers

On Monday (June 27, 2011), 62 new Virginia State Police troopers will begin their career on patrol in counties and along interstates across the Commonwealth. On Friday (June 24, 2011), the members of the 116th Basic Session will graduate from the Virginia State Police Academy in Richmond.

The 62 graduates began their rigorous 37-week training session Oct. 10, 2010. During that time, the new troopers received instruction in more than 100 different subjects spanning hundreds of hours. Academy training included such areas as crime scene investigation, survival Spanish, judicial procedures, self defense, cultural diversity and firearms.

The graduates’ final phase of training begins Monday when the new troopers report to their respective duty assignments. Each trooper will spend a minimum of six weeks with a field training officer learning his or her new patrol area and day-to-day duties.

Among the 62 new graduates are Augusta County natives Trooper Mark C. Brill and Trooper Gregory W. Clifton. Trooper Brill, 23, of Churchville, begins his career with state police on patrol in Frederick County. Trooper Brill earned an associates degree in administration of justice from Blue Ridge Community College. Prior to joining the state police, he served three years as a reserve officer with the Staunton Police Department and two years with the Army National Guard. Trooper Clifton, 39, of Stuarts Draft, served three years as a reserve officer with the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and two years as a reserve officer with the Waynesboro Police Department. Trooper Clifton joined the state police to “be part of one of the best organizations in the country.” He reports to duty Monday in Shenandoah County.

Trooper Troy L. Johnson, 44, of Nelson County, begins his career with the state police assigned to Buckingham County.

Joining the Virginia State Police has Trooper Travis A. Lewis, 23, of Amherst, following in the footsteps of his father, 1st Sgt. K.D. Lewis. 1st Sgt. Lewis is the commander of the state police Area 21 Office, which includes the counties of Appomattox and Prince Edward. Trooper Lewis begins his career with the Department on patrol in Prince William County. He earned a degree in criminal justice from Longwood University.

As the need for highly-skilled and capable law enforcement officers increases, the Department continues to seek qualified applicants for the trooper and commercial vehicle enforcement officer positions. All interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Virginia State Police Recruitment Office at the toll-free number 1-866-877-2329 or visit the Department’s website at www.virginiatrooper.org.