OHP Celebrates 61 Graduates of 66th Academy

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) announced Wednesday that 61 cadets graduated from  their 66th Academy on Thursday.

The Academy started February 28 with 97 cadets. The cadets underwent 20 weeks of intense training that included traffic and criminal law, arrest procedures, accident reconstruction, first aid and Spanish. They also received training in use of force, communication skills and de-escalation tactics, firearms, driving, criminal interdiction and physical fitness. Part of the Academy had to be conducted remotely because of concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Despite the challenges presented during this Academy and having to conduct a portion remotely, these cadets are graduating fully prepared to serve and protect our citizens on the roadways,” said Col. Brent Sugg, OHP chief. “We are extremely proud of them and the staff of this Academy for the way they’ve conducted themselves during uncertain times.”

There are five legacies graduating from this Academy. Four of the cadets have fathers who are/were troopers and one cadet has a father and grandfather who were OHP troopers. 

The graduation ceremony was held at 10 a.m. Thursday in a closed ceremony. Each cadet was allowed one guest to pin their badge during the ceremony. Other OHP staff attending were limited and everyone attending was required to wear masks. 

The ceremony was live-streamed on the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s Facebook page for anyone interested in watching. 

Graduating cadets next enter the “break-in” phase of their training. They will ride with another trooper for 13 weeks before working the roads on their own.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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