29 probationary troopers from the 81st Indiana State Police Recruit Academy graduated at a ceremony held in Indianapolis. Three members of the class, Blake Sarver, James Wilkinson, and Dustin Powers were assigned to the Indiana State Police Peru Post.
During their 25 weeks of academy training, the trio received over 600 hours of classroom instruction, as well as nearly 400 hours of hands-on practical scenario-based training. Some of the training included criminal and traffic law, crash investigations, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms, and a host of other subjects related to modern policing. They will be assigned to train with veteran troopers for the next 13 weeks before being released on solo patrol.
Sarver is a Miami County native and 2017 graduate of Maconaquah High School. He is a 2020 graduate of Indiana University in Kokomo, having earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Wilkinson is also a Miami County native and a 2016 graduate of Maconaquah High School. He is also a 2020 graduate of Indiana University in Kokomo, having earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Powers is a Wabash County native and a 2012 graduate of Wabash High School. He is a 2014 graduate of Vincennes University having earned an associate degree in criminal justice.
