Press Release: “On Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, the Commonwealth graduated its 139th generation of Virginia State Troopers. The 31 new state troopers were presented their diplomas during commencement exercises at the State Police Training Academy in Chesterfield County. ”
“The new troopers have received more than 1,300 hours of classroom and field instruction in more than 100 different subjects, including de-escalation techniques, strategies to assist people in mental health crisis, ethics and leadership, fair and impartial policing, constitutional law, emergency medical trauma care, and public and community relations. The members of the 139th Basic Session began their 28 weeks of academic, physical and practical training at the Academy Feb. 27, 2023.”
“The graduates of the 139th Basic Session are from every corner of the Commonwealth, as well as Arkansas, Florida, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Saipan. ”
“Upon graduation, the new troopers will report to their individual duty assignments across Virginia the week of Sept. 18, 2023. For their final phase of training, each trooper will spend an additional six weeks paired up with a Field Training Officer learning his or her new patrol area.”
139th basic graduating class:
- Kaser Acosta Dominican Republic Springfield
- Richard France Adams Spotsylvania Fairfax
- Caleb Altis Christiansburg Springfield
- Frantzdy Bertrand Haiti Fairfax County
- Phillip Isaiah Bishop Kingsport, Tenn. Hanover/Henrico
- Michael James Blevins Culpeper Stafford County
- Brandesha Lynn Brown Cedar Bluff Henrico County
- Emily Elizabeth Brownell White Creek, N.Y. Hanover/Henrico
- Christopher David Bryan Columbus, Ohio Norfolk/Virginia Beach
- Matthew Crawford Byram Stafford Springfield
- Bryan Mykel Carr Williamsburg James City County
- Erica Choi Saipan Springfield
- Jefferson P. Cullison Gloucester Hampton/Newport News
- Zakary Thomas Dickerson Plano, Texas Sussex County
- Gabriel Zachary Fletcher Scott County Norfolk/Virginia Beach
- Junior Miguel Flores Castaneda Martinsville Henry County
- Russell Bennett Franklin, III Charlotte County Roanoke
- Caleb Evan Holland Bryant, Ark. Portsmouth/Suffolk/Chesapeake
- James Lloyd Lakey, II Strasburg Frederick County
- Justin M. Lowe Shenandoah Augusta County
- Erich Ryan Mann Covington Roanoke
- Brandon Scott Middleton Ashburn Fairfax County
- Henry McCord Morrison South Boston Hanover/Henrico
- William Alexander Mullins Richmond Chesterfield County
- Trevor Chance Plecker Bath County Louisa County
- Franklin Curtis Pulley, III Suffolk Portsmouth/Suffolk/Chesapeake
- Logan Edward Shenk Staunton Roanoke
- Parker Elliott Shenk Staunton Roanoke
- Sarah Elizabeth Stewart Eustis, Fla. Campbell County
- Briggs Underwood Bedford Accomack County
- Steven Jacob Winn Bucktown, Penn. Henrico County
“Virginia State Police is currently hiring for trooper positions in future Academy classes. To apply online and/or learn more about our hiring bonus, benefits, and career opportunities, go to vatrooper.com.”
Recent Stories
Big decisions and new initiatives are always unfolding around us—decisions that can leave us questioning the future and wondering how they will impact our community. But at Potomac Local News, we’re dedicated to showing you the way forward, helping you understand these changes and what they mean for the road ahead.
This week, we brought you exclusive stories that showcase how our community is evolving, from the cancellation of a major road project to the launch of new fundraising initiatives. Here’s how we’re showing you the way forward:
Osbourn Park High School has received the Virginia School Breakfast Award from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for its success in expanding breakfast access, maintaining nutritional integrity, and serving more scratch-cooked meals. The school is one of three recipients this year.
Cafeteria manager Nidia Bruno expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the team’s dedication to feeding students. Andrea Early, director of Food and Nutrition, noted that breakfast participation at Osbourn Park has increased by 30% and praised the cafeteria team for efficiently managing the expanded program. The school benefits from the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students.
(FXBG Advance) – Local delegates Joshua Cole, a Democrat, and Hillary Pugh Kent, a Republican, have been appointed to an emergency committee that will monitor the impact to Virginia of the…
Nothing Bundt Cakes has officially opened its doors just outside Manassas, bringing its signature, handcrafted bundt cakes to the community. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new bakery at 9825 Liberia Avenue, Suite 101.
The popular national bakery chain, known for its rich, moist cakes and signature cream cheese frosting, offers a variety of flavors and sizes, from bite-sized Bundtinis to 10-inch Bundt cakes perfect for special occasions. The store aims to be a go-to destination for birthdays, anniversaries, and everyday celebrations.
“We are ecstatic to have them join the thriving business community in Prince William County,” said a representative from the Chamber. “Their presence adds to the diverse selection of locally owned and franchised businesses that make this area a great place to shop and dine.”
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
