Libby's Lind part of new class of Montana Highway Patrol troopers
Montana Highway Patrol commissioned 10 new troopers Monday in Helena. From left, are Sgt. Zachary J. Freeman, Dietrich D. Lind, Logan W. Bartholomew, Trevor D. Ward, David M. Thomas, Jessica N. Lyles, Jordan D. Barfuss, Bogomil S. Mihaylov, Justin J. Hanson, Nathaniel C. Ashbey, Joshua M. Glover and Trooper Lath S. Keith. (Montana Highway Patrol photo)
Libby native Dietrich Lind is a trooper for the Montana Highway Patrol.
Lind was part of a class of 10 new troopers who were commissioned by the Montana Highway Patrol on Monday, Sept. 26 at a graduation ceremony at the Civic Center in Helena.
Lind is assigned to the Townsend station.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Colonel Steve Lavin addressed the cadets prior to having their badges pinned and taking the oath of office.
The new troopers were among 344 applicants for the positions this hiring cycle. They went through a rigorous training schedule over the past 23 weeks.
Five of the 10 troopers are from Montana and the other five came from as far away as Texas and all worked in a variety of different careers prior to coming to the Montana Highway Patrol.
"I'm confident that Montana's newest troopers will do an incredible job on the front lines protecting Montanans from dangerous criminals and keeping our communities safe," Attorney General Knudsen said.
“It is my honor to welcome these new troopers to the Montana Highway Patrol. Their dedication and hard work has not gone unrecognized. They will serve the citizens of our state with service, integrity and respect," Colonel Lavin said.
Another Northwest Montana resident Jessica Lyles, of Marion, is assigned to the Havre station.
Four other new troopers are from Montana. Jordan Barfuss, of White Sulphur Springs, is stationed in Culbertson. Bogomil Mihaylov, of Billings remains in Billings. Logan Bartholomew, of Miles City, will stay in Miles City.
Five other cadets from out of state are joining the Montana Highway Patrol. Nathaniel Ashby, of Waterford, Connecticut, is stationed in West Yellowstone. Joshua Glover, of Austin, is stationed in Culbertson. Justin Hanson, of San Diego, is stationed in Anaconda. David Thomas, of Livermore, California, is stationed in Bozeman. Trevor Ward, of Bellefonte, California, is stationed in Livingston.
The Montana Highway Patrol is currently recruiting for trooper positions through Oct. 3, 2022.
Visit https://dojmt.gov/highwaypatrol/recruitment-applicant-info/ for additional details.