From left: Troopers Zachary McKenzie, Tyler Vermillion, Lawrence Joyner, Alvin Best Jr., George Youpel, Jordin Bilthuis, Michael Bumbaugh and Brandon Johnson. (Photo provided)

BRISTOL — In late December, 37 new troopers graduated from the 79th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy after completing a journey of 25 weeks of intense training.

The recruits completed more than 1,100 hours of academic and hands-on training in criminal and traffic law, crash investigation, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms and other classes necessary for modern policing.

Eight of the troopers were assigned to the Indiana State Police Toll Road Post and will now begin more than three months of field training working next to several different experienced field training officers. After successfully completing this phase, the troopers will be issued their own police cars and begin solo patrol on the Indiana Toll Road.

Three of the eight troopers assigned to the ISP Toll Road Post are local to Kosciusko County and immediate surrounding areas.

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

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