GREENCASTLE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Two area men were among 36 probationary troopers who graduated from the 80th Indiana State Police Academy last month.
Spencer Brooks, a native of Sullivan, Indiana, and Matthew Rea of Riley, Ind. have both been assigned to the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post and will begin their next phase of training, a three-month field training period, riding with veteran troopers.
Brooks is a graduate of Sullivan High School and spent seven years as a Sullivan City Police Officer. Brooks and his wife, Whitney, have one child and reside in Sullivan County. His primary counties will be Sullivan and Vigo.
Rea is a homeschool graduate. He furthered his education by attending Ivy Tech where he received an associate degree in software development computer science. Rea currently resides in Vigo County. His primary counties will be Putnam and Clay.
The purpose of the field training is to put to practical application the training received over the duration of the formal academy training. Upon successful completion of field training, the troopers will be assigned a state police patrol vehicle and will begin solo patrol.
