PHOTO: Courtesy MHP
RANKIN COUNTY, Miss.–Members of the Mississippi Highway Patrol face some of the toughest and longest law enforcement training in the state. This weekend a months-long journey began for 75 recruits and 61 alternates who hope to graduate and get that Mississippi-shaped badge.
“We have 75 that’ll start the school,” said Lt. Johnny Poulos, who serves as a communications officer as well as a trooper.
He said some of that number will not make it all the way through.
The reason the school was requested and funded at about $7 million by the legislature this year is a shortage of state troopers on the highway.
“We feel very fortunate to have gotten the school,” said Poulos. “We’re ready to get the school completed so we can get these troopers out on the roads and ready to serve the public.”
Poulos remembered the academy being some of the toughest training in his life.
“But I wouldn’t trade anything for it. It’s an honor to serve the people of Mississippi.”
The physical, mental and academic training are expected to continue through April 1.
