Twenty-eight new troopers graduated Dec. 21, 2023, from the 84th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy after completing intense training. The recruits completed more than 1,100 hours of academic and hands-on training in criminal and traffic law, crash investigation, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms, de-escalation, impaired driving detection, scenario-based training, and other classes necessary for modern policing.
Three troopers have been assigned to the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post. They will begin three months of field training, working alongside several experienced field training officers. After successfully completing this phase, the troopers will be issued their own police cars and begin solo patrol in the Lafayette District.
Trooper Zachary Grundell is from Clinton and is a 2019 graduate of South Vermillion High School. In 2023, Grundell became a special deputy for the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office before attending the Indiana State Police Academy. Grundell will be assigned to primarily patrol Fountain County.
Trooper Gage Walters is from Crawfordsville and is a 2016 graduate of Crawfordsville High School. Walters then joined the Indiana Army National Guard in 2015 and served in the National Guard until January 2023. Walters will be assigned to primarily patrol White and Tippecanoe counties.
Trooper Payton Parker is from Franklin and is a 2019 graduate of Franklin Community High School. After h
igh school, Parker attended Purdue University and
graduated with a bachelor’s degree in law and society in 2023. While at Purdue University, Parker completed an internship with the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post. Parker was the recipient of the 84th Recruit Academy Superintendent’s Award. Parker was chosen for this award by the academy staff based on her performance throughout the academy. Parker will be assigned to primarily patrol Montgomery County.
Parker is also the relative of Trooper Herbert Smith, who was tragically killed in the line of duty Dec. 5, 1946.
Individuals seeking information on a career as an Indiana State Trooper should visit the website at www.indianatrooper.com. This website will provide a detailed synopsis of the application process and career information about the Indiana State Police Department.
