Kalispell man joins ranks of Montana Highway Patrol
From left to right, first row: Sheridan Crutcher, George Nassour, Zoey Streber and Brandon Coleman; back row: Lt. Col. Kurt Sager, Nicholas Derene, Matthew Meidl, Adam Hoover, Ryne Tyler, Philip Rhodes and Colonel Steve Lavin. (Courtesy photo)
Kalispell native Philip Rhodes was among nine troopers commissioned by the Montana Highway Patrol during a graduation ceremony in Helena on Sept. 29.
Rhodes and his eight classmates completed a 24-week training program that law enforcement officials describe as rigorous prior to taking the oath of office and receiving their badges. Rhodes was one of three members of the class to hail from Montana, the other two coming from Chester and Lewistown.
Others came from California, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
"I'm proud to have these individuals serving and protecting Montana. They have worked tirelessly to become part of our agency and will serve their community with pride," said Col. Steve Lavin of the Montana Highway Patrol.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen also was on hand to congratulate the new graduates.
“This is a great state to be in law enforcement, and we’re grateful to have these new troopers join us at the Montana Department of Justice,” Knudsen said. “They’ve made a brave and honorable decision to help keep us safe on the highways and in our communities.”
Rhodes’ initial duty station will be in Bozeman, officials said.