Last Updated on April 26, 2025 7:37 pm
A Watauga County man is among the latest new Highway Patrolmen to graduate from Basic Highway Patrol School.
Carlson Tester was among 46 new troopers to graduate during the 165th ceremony on Friday. The ceremony commemorates 15 weeks of extensive training to prepare the graduates for a rewarding career in law enforcement.
Tester will also be based out of Watauga, according to NCSHP. Jonathan Johnston from Wilkes County will also be based out of the Watauga duty station.
The ceremony, held at the Shepherd’s Church in Cary, had Governor Josh Stein serving as guest speaker and provided congratulatory remarks to the graduates. The oath of office was administered by Judge Jeffrey K. Carpenter of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol, provided remarks to the newest sworn members of the State Highway Patrol.
“As new state troopers, we feel you are ready to fulfill this role and be ambassadors who represent the State Highway Patrol,” said Johnson. “Your presence throughout North Carolina will begin exactly where it is needed most, and that is in the communities within which you will serve. I am certain that you will serve with honor and distinction.”
These new state troopers will report to their respective duty stations on Wednesday, May 14, to begin a demanding field training program.
