MSHP graduates 19 troopers from Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol's announced its 125th Recruit Class is graduated from the Patrol's Law Enforcement Academy Friday.

The new troopers will report to duty in their assigned troops on April 27.

Four class awards were presented during the graduation ceremony. The recruits accumulated points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness, firearms and academics throughout their 25 weeks at the Academy.

The person with highest number of points in each category earned the respective award. The recruit with the highest number of points overall earned the Superintendent's Award.

Trooper Keaton D. Siebenaler accepted the Colonel C. E. "Mel" Fisher Superintendent's Awards and the Physical Fitness Award, Trooper James Q. Chapman accepted the Firearms Trophy and Trooper Zachary K. Bridges accepted the Academics Award.

Of the 19 graduates, two will make their way to the Troop A area and two will make their way to Troop H.

Trooper Brennar A. Jones from Rushville, Missouri, will cover Zone 5 in Troop H in Andrew/Buchanan counties. Trooper Jones was homeschooled and graduated in 2019. Prior to his employment with the Patrol, Trooper Jones was employed by the Platte County Sheriff's Office as a deputy. Trooper Jones is married and has one child.

Trooper Shadow D. Phillips from Cameron, Missouri, will cover Zone 10 in Troop H in Daviess/DeKalb counties. Trooper Phillips graduated from Gallatin R-V in 2010. Prior to his employment with the Patrol, he was employed with the St. Joseph Police Department as a police officer. He has four children.

Trooper Terrence R. Conness from Hughesville, Missouri, will cover Zone 13 in Troop A in Pettis County. Trooper Kane M. Dodson from Lexington, Missouri will cover Zone 5 in Troop A in Carroll/Ray counties.

MSHP said it is still hiring and offers over 60 career paths. All current openings are on the Patrol's online application page.