VERSAILLES, IN — This week, two new Indiana State Troopers reported for duty to the Indiana State Police Post in Versailles.
The troopers are from a class of 18 recruits who graduated from the 82nd Indiana State Police Recruit Academy Thursday, June 16, 2022.
During the 23-week training period, the recruits received over 600 hours of classroom instruction as well as nearly 500 hours of hands-on practical and scenario-based training exercises. These troopers will now be assigned to train with veteran troopers for the next 13 weeks before receiving their own patrol cars for solo patrol.
The Versailles District consists of Bartholomew, Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, and Switzerland Counties.
Versailles District Commander Paul Adams said, “We are proud to welcome these two new troopers to the Versailles District, and we are excited to see the difference they will make on the highways and in the communities they will serve.”
Trooper Brian Weigel, age 28, is a 2012 graduate of East Central High School, St. Leon, Indiana. After high school, he obtained an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement from Vincennes University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University-East. Prior to attending the Indiana State Police Academy, Trp. Weigel was a deputy with the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department for nearly five years. Trp. Weigel is the son of Indiana State Police-Versailles Post Crime Scene Investigator, Stephen Weigel. Upon beginning solo patrol, Trp. Weigel will be assigned Zone 4, patrolling Dearborn and Ripley Counties. Trp. Weigel lives in Dearborn County with his wife and one child.
Trooper Payton Utterback, age 23, is a 2017 graduate of Franklin Community High School, Franklin, Indiana. After high school, he attended Indiana State University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Intel Analysis. Trp. Utterback has also served in the Air National Guard since 2017. Prior to attending the Indiana State Police Academy, he worked as a personal trainer. Trp. Utterback is the son of Indiana State Police Lieutenant Ty Utterback, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. Upon beginning solo patrol, Trp. Utterback will be assigned Zone 1, patrolling Jackson and Bartholomew Counties. Trp. Utterback and his wife live in Bartholomew County, Indiana.
(Indiana State Police/Sgt. Stephen Wheeles press release)
