Twenty-four men and women were sworn in Friday, as peace officers with the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) at the 35th Academy Graduation ceremony. Those individuals will serve their communities as Troopers with the Iowa State Patrol, and Special Agents with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Among the graduates from southwest Iowa, was Garrett Clayton, an Iowa State Patrol Trooper from Walnut, Blake Michelsen, a Trooper from Mount Ayr, will serve in District 16 at the Capitol Complex. And, Cole Johannsen from Avoca, as well as Matthew Ross, from Glenwood, both DCI Agents, who will be working in the area of Gaming Enforcement in Lyon County.

All of the officers completed a 22-week training academy designed to prepare them for readiness to serve as law enforcement officers. Elements of their training included the use of firearms, emergency response procedures, first aid and CPR, tactical driving techniques, and courses on Iowa law.

In a written statement Governor Branstad congratulated the new officers and thanked them for serving the people of Iowa.  Each of the officers begin active service in their new assignments effective immediately across the State of Iowa.