21 Alabama State Trooper trainees graduated Thursday from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Class 2024-B, completing rigorous training at ALEA’s Training Center in Selma to prepare them for law enforcement roles across the state.
Twenty graduates will join ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, which oversees safety on Alabama’s roadways. One graduate will join the agency’s Marine Patrol Division, focusing on safety on Alabama’s waterways.
“ALEA is committed to protecting and serving the communities of our great state,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “These new Troopers represent the future of our Agency, and we are confident they will uphold our values of integrity, loyalty, and respect as they begin their careers.”
The graduation ceremony was attended by families, friends, and distinguished guests, all coming together to celebrate the dedication and hard work of these individuals.
Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Nathaniel Ledbetter addressed the class as the commencement speaker, stating it takes strength, character, and passion to serve as a law enforcement officer. He also touched on the importance of family, noting that their loved ones have helped place them in the position they are in today.
“Look at the person next to you and the individuals out in this audience, because these are the faces of Alabama that you will protect and serve,” said Speaker Ledbetter during the ceremony.
He continued to express his unwavering support of law enforcement and commended the leadership of Secretary Hal Taylor, noting his tireless advocacy and perseverance for sworn employees.
It was an honor to be in Selma today to celebrate the graduation of Trooper Class 2024-B.
These 21 graduates exemplify what it means to be a public servant, and I appreciate their commitment to protecting Alabama’s communities.
Alabama proudly backs the blue and always will. pic.twitter.com/EpUSwVri7N
— Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) November 21, 2024
Speaker Ledbetter also highlighted that this graduating class will begin their career as the highest-paid Trooper class the State of Alabama has ever had. Currently, the starting pay for a Trooper Trainee is $56,726.40. Previously, the salary for a Trooper Trainee began at $39,664.80.
“As long as I am Speaker of the House, then I, and the House of Representatives will proudly back the blue,” he continued.
Following the Speaker’s remarks, Secretary Taylor welcomed the class to the ALEA family and presented each member with their certificate of completion. The following class members received special awards:
- Academic Award – Louis Bishop
- Driving Award – Austin Arnold
- Firearms Award – John Barton
- Most Improved PT Award – Riley Cagle
- Overall PT Award – Caleb Toney
- Commander’s Award – Payton Greenwood
On Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday hosted the Troopers on the steps of the Alabama Governor’s Mansion. She offered words of gratitude, her congratulations and invited them to a reception to honor their accomplishment.
“I was honored to host and meet with our 21 trooper graduates today. Public safety is paramount in Alabama, and these men and women will play an important role in keeping our state safe. I shared that if they keep working hard and do their job well then I know they will surely make Alabama proud,” Governor Kay Ivey said.
All 21 Trooper Trainees were certified with the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) and had prior law enforcement experience. The rigorous training program they received at the ATC includes extensive coursework in crash investigations, radar, field sobriety, pursuit driver training, use-of-force, defense tactics, patrol/traffic stops, first aid, and operation of an AED, as well as coursework on Title 32 Code of Alabama and legal updates.
ALEA reports these Troopers are prepared to face the challenges of their roles and are equipped with the necessary tools to make a positive impact.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
