Idaho State Police recruits build iconic campaign covers in milestone ceremony
Meridian, Idaho As 14 recruits put together their recognizable campaign covers at the Idaho State Police headquarters, Idaho State Police Academy Training Class 58 achieved a noteworthy milestone.
An important milestone in the trainees’ 22-week training to become Idaho State Troopers is the campaign cover ceremony.
“One of the most identifiable characteristics of state troopers nationwide is our campaign covers,” stated Sergeant Jordan Scow. “It helps us with our command presence.”
One of the most identifiable components of an Idaho State Trooper’s uniform, the distinctive hats are part of a long-standing tradition that is known across the country.
Watch as the recruits for the Idaho State Police make their recognizable trooper hats.
There were 19 recruits in the class at the beginning, but today there are only 14. Despite the difficult procedure, recruits reported that teamwork has made the difficult training easier to handle.
“I’m honored. This is not just something I’ve done; the entire team has put in a ton of effort every day. Recruit Michael Garcia remarked, “I’ve watched our guys fall apart and then come back together one after another.”
Using tape and scissors, recruits assisted one another in assembling their hats, demonstrating their collaboration. The recruits put their campaign covers on the Wall of Honor as they were finished.
“The wall that we keep our fallen Troopers up and keep that in the forefront of their minds,” Sergeant Scow stated.
For the time being, the campaign covers encourage the recruits to keep practicing even if they won’t be worn until graduation.
Recruit Richard Benavidez stated, “Building that campaign cover is the drive to keep pushing forward, give you that motivation to continue on and never give up.”
The new troopers will be assigned to districts around Idaho to start serving communities throughout the state once Class 58 graduates on December 5.
“This is an excellent class. They’ve been doing a great job, working as a team, and picking up the skills we need them to,” Sergeant Scow stated.
