LITTLE ROCK — Twenty-five Arkansas State Police Trooper Recruits graduated Thursday during ceremonies at the Arkansas State Capitol, including several from Southeast Arkansas.
Southeast Arkansas recruits among the graduates were:
• Lagarian Rodriguez Cross, 28, of Fordyce, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop F, Drew County. Recruit Cross is a graduate of Fordyce High School.
• Gordon Joseph Seawood, 23, of Pine Bluff, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop E, Lincoln County. Recruit Seawood is a graduate of Pine Bluff High School and a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve veteran.
The recruits received the Oath of State Trooper Commission from the Honorable Mark A. Pate, White County District Judge, Searcy Division.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The recruit class initially reported for duty on Jan. 20. Since then each class member has accumulated 1,044 hours of classroom studies and practical training. The recruits are eligible for 41 college credit hours toward a criminal justice degree from Black River Technical College at Pocahontas.
Christopher R. Thyer, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, was the keynote speaker addressing the graduates and Col. Stan Witt, director of the Arkansas State Police, presented the new troopers their commissions.
Other dignitaries present included representatives of the Arkansas State Police Commission and State Police Division, Troop and Company commanders.
Upon reporting for duty at their respective troop headquarters, the new troopers will be placed with a certified departmental Field Training Officer. Each graduate will work in tandem with their respective FTO for a 12-week transitional period prior to being released to their assignment.