Newest State Troopers Include Northern Virginia Natives

Release, Virginia State Police:

On Monday (June 9, 2014), 44 new Virginia State Police troopers will begin their career on patrol in counties and along interstates across the Commonwealth. On Friday (June 6, 2014), the members of the 121st  Basic Session graduates from the Virginia State Police Academy in Richmond.

The 44 graduates began their rigorous 37-week training session in December 2013. During that time, the new troopers received instruction in more than 100 different subjects spanning hundreds of hours. Academy training included such areas as crime scene investigation, survival Spanish, judicial procedures, self defense, cultural diversity and firearms. 

The graduates’ final phase of training begins Monday when the new troopers report to their respective duty assignments. Each trooper will spend a minimum of six weeks with a field training officer learning his or her new patrol area and day-to-day duties. 

Among the 44 new graduates is Trooper Luis A. Castellon-Rios of Ashburn. Joining the ranks of the Virginia State Police has been a lifelong pursuit for Castellon-Rios. “Since I was young, I have been interested in becoming a state trooper.” The 25-year-old reports Monday for his first patrol assignment within the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. 

From Prince William County, Trooper R. Blake Hasty begins his career with state police on patrol in Hanover County. The 22-year-old Nokesville native sought out a career as a trooper because, “I wanted to begin my career of public service with a job that involves ensuring the safety of the people of 
the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

Trooper Iman Kassim, 22, of Lorton joined the Virginia State Police “to be the best of the best.” Kassim reports Monday to the Hampton Roads area for patrol in the City of Chesapeake. 

Trooper Christopher D. McGowan returns home Monday to his native Arlington for his first patrol assignment. Prior to joining state police, McGowan, 27, earned a bachelor’s degree in history from James Madison University, and a master’s degree in terrorism and security policy from American University. McGowan chose to become a trooper “to be the best and make a ‘boots on the ground’ difference in the state I love.”

As the need for highly-skilled and capable law enforcement officers increases, the Department continues to seek qualified applicants for the trooper and commercial vehicle enforcement officer positions. All interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Virginia State Police Recruitment 
Office visit the Department’s website www.vsp.virginia.gov.