The Iowa Department of Public Safety announced the graduation of the 51st Basic Academy on Friday, December 20, 2024. The graduation ceremony was held at the Holiday Inn Airport Conference Center in Des Moines, recognizing a graduating class of 18 recruits who entered the academy in July 2024.
“We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our newest Troopers and extend our gratitude for their dedication to the safety and well-being of Iowa’s communities,” said Stephan Bayens, Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. “In a world full of challenges and opportunities, they have chosen a path of service and commitment. We are honored to have them join our ranks and are grateful for their willingness to be counted.”
Conducted at Camp Dodge, the 20-week academy training focused on completing law enforcement coursework on laws of arrest, search and seizure, defensive tactics, arrest techniques, precision driving, firearms, emergency management services, fair and impartial policing, criminal law, accident investigation, human relations, physical fitness, human trafficking, motor vehicle law, domestic violence, crisis intervention for mentally ill persons, and more.
Trooper Bennett Eaton, badge number 260, and Trooper Benjamin Gunderson, badge number 206 were assigned to Iowa State Patrol District 7, in Fort Dodge.
