From left, are Trooper George Youpel, Trooper Lawrence Joyner, Trooper Zachary McKenzie, Trooper Brandon Johnson, Sgt. Avitia, Trooper Tyler Vermillion, Trooper Jordin Grant, Trooper Michael Bumbaugh and Trooper Alvin Best Jr. Photo provided.

INDIANAPOLIS — Eight Indiana State troopers assigned to the Indiana Toll Road Post received their patrol cars on April 7 after successfully completing three months in the ISP Field Training Program.

The probationary troopers graduated from the 79th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy in December 2019. The entire class was issued their new Dodge Charger state police cars in Indianapolis.

While at the academy, the recruits received 25 weeks of intense training. Their graduation was the culmination of more than 1,100 hours of training that included criminal law, emergency vehicle operations and traffic law. The academy training also covered other facets of law enforcement including criminal investigation, crash investigation, self-defense and other general law enforcement related areas of instruction.

Three of the troopers have local ties and will now begin solo patrol on the Indiana Toll Road.

Trooper Brandon Johnson is a graduate of Warsaw Community High School. After graduating from high school, Trooper Johnson joined the Army National Guard. Trooper Johnson will patrol the Indiana Toll Road primarily in LaGrange and Steuben Counties.

Trooper Tyler Vermillion is a graduate of Plymouth High School. After graduating from high school, Trooper Vermillion served for five years in the United States Marine Corps. Trooper Vermillion will parol the Indiana Toll Road primarily in Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph Counties.

Trooper Michael Bumbaugh is a graduate of Wawasee High School in Syracuse. After graduating from high school, Trooper Bumbaugh served for four years in the United States Marine Corps. Prior to joining the Indiana State Police, Trooper Bumbaugh was a member of the Syracuse Police Department for six years. Trooper Bumbaugh will patrol the Indiana Toll Road primarily in LaGrange and Steuben Counties.