Now Hiring Michiana: Indiana State Police

BREMEN, Ind.-- The Indiana State Police is looking for its next class of state troopers. Now Hiring Michiana continues with a look at what it’s like to work at the Bremen post.

Lt. Chad Larsh is the district commander of the Bremen post, which serves St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall and Kosciusko counties. It’s a job he’s aspired to have for decades, following in the footsteps of his father.

“I’ve always been passionate about the job. I always knew I wanted to be a State Trooper since I was four years old,” said Larsh. “When I was young, I think I was just proud of my father and how professional he looked every day.”

Larsh was so proud that he asked his mom to make a trooper uniform for him and wore it everywhere from school to church, and his sons even donned the uniform before he retired it to his office where he now serves as district commander for the Bremen post, being proud to serve his community today like his father.

 “I wouldn’t want to do anything else,” said Larsh. “You always feel like you’re giving back. It’s rewarding.”

But what’s it like to be a state trooper? There’s only one way to find out, I rode along with Master Trooper Mick Dockery. He typically starts his self-guided days at 5 a.m.

“That’s the nice thing about our job,” said Dockery. “There’s so much freedom. We don’t have a role call like most police departments…We have the freedom to drive pretty much wherever, depending on what’s going on. This is my office and every day I have a new view.”

During the ride-along, we did not encounter any action, but many shifts require troopers to be in dangerous situations, like high-speed chases or drug busts. While it is a tough job Dockery is honored to protect and serve his community and make a difference.

“When I’m working. I tell myself today’s an opportunity to make a positive impact and do something positive within the community. That can be something as simple as stranded motorist on the side of the road. It can be something as simple getting a drunk driver off the road.”

Public information officer, Sgt. Ted Bohner says there is a decline in interest in law enforcement, impacting recruitment for ISP.

“This last class that just graduated in December of this year had 11. That’s 11 troopers across the state. My class, we had over 100,” said Bohner.

That decline in law enforcement can lead to unfortunate consequences for the community.

“If the decline keeps happening across the board, it is going to affect the community because there either won’t be somebody to answer the call or respond, or it’s going to take a lot longer,” said Bohner.

Are you interested in becoming a state trooper?

To apply, you must fit the following requirements.

1. Must be a United States citizen.

2. Must be at least 21 and less than 40 years old when appointed as a police employee.

3. Must have vision correctable to 20/50.

4. Must possess a valid driver's license.

5. Must have a high school diploma or GED.

6. Must be willing, if appointed, to reside and serve anywhere within the State of Indiana.

You must also pass the physical abilities test. If you are interested in joining, try out a ride-along with a state trooper.