Virginia State Police ranks include two newcomers from Augusta County

Forty-four new Virginia State Police troopers reported to their respective Division Headquarters this week to begin the final phase of training.

The 124th Basic Session celebrated their graduation Friday (Nov. 4, 2016), at the state police Academy in North Chesterfield County. Upon receiving their diplomas, the new troopers finished a rigorous 27-week training session. They received instruction in more than 100 different subjects spanning hundreds of hours.

Academy training includes such areas as crime scene investigation, survival Spanish, judicial procedures, self- defense, cultural diversity and firearms.

Two Augusta County residents will spend the next six weeks with a field training officer learning his or her new patrol area and day-to-day duties.

Mount Solon native Savannah R. Stagner reports to neighboring Rockbridge County for her first patrol assignment. The 22-year-old sought out a career with the Virginia State Police for “the professionalism that the Virginia State Police represents.”

For Staunton resident Trooper Caleb A. Thompson joining the VSP ranks was “to be a part of something greater than myself.” The 23-year-old new trooper begins his first patrol assignment in Henrico County and the City of Richmond.