There’s a shortage of manpower in the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. While the state is losing troopers to retirement and other reasons, the need for even more manpower is on the rise.
That's why their first patrol academy in three years will take place at the end of the month. Right now, the highway patrol is 100 troopers short. But that number will double by the end of next year.
Sixty-five people are signed up for this month's academy, but the OHP is already recruiting for the next academy, which will begin next April. They're looking for seventy qualified men and women to apply.
Today, high-ranking officials also showed their appreciation to some troopers here in Durant by handing out four awards. They also did their annual inspections of patrol cars and equipment.
OHP has almost 800 troopers across the state, but that's 300 shy of what they consider to be adequately staffed.
Posted: 06/18/2013 - GRAYSON CO, TX-Several Grayson county fire departments rushed to a house fire near Tom Bean early Tuesday morning that destroyed a family's home.
Updated: 06/18/2013 - MEAD, OK -- Two people were severely burned when a propane tank exploded in Bryan county Monday afternoon.
Posted: 06/14/2013 - DENISON, TX-Charges are pending for a Grayson county woman accused of leaving her pets inside a hot car, which turned deadly within minutes. Law enforcement and a local veterinarian tell us how you can protect your pets from the heat.
Posted: 06/11/2013 - ECTOR, TX-After several years in the blueprint stage, an overpass over the Highway 82 and FM-898 intersection is now a step closer to reality.
Troopers Face Shortage
