Submitted by Nancy Rutherford
Hawthorne native Wesley Burke graduated from trooper basic training class on Thursday, July 11 with his family and friends in attendance.
The Nevada Highway Patrol welcomed five new troopers on Thursday’s graduation ceremonies held at the Nevada State Capital Building in Carson City.
The graduates of the 84th Trooper Basic Training Class are from various cities across the state and they completed more than 1,000 hours of training. According to the state patrol, on average less than three percent of applicants complete the process.
Trooper Burke began his journey of Basic Training (POST) Jan. 13. After 16 rigorous weeks of training, studying and being away from his family, he graduated May 9. The following week Burke again left his family and went on to complete the additional eight weeks of advanced training. On July 11, Burke graduated and is now a proud Highway Patrol Trooper.
Burke’s journey is not over. He will leave his family once again to participate in 16 weeks of daily ride-alongs throughout various Nevada Counties. This experience will give him even more knowledge of the real dangers our first responders face every second of every day. At the end of the 16 weeks, Trooper Burke will be stationed in Hawthorne, returning to his family and hometown to “Protect, Serve and Honor.”
Burke’s wife and family have been extremely supportive of his career decision and time away from home. Wife, Jamie, son, Sean and daughter, Ella did an outstanding job of holding down the home front and providing the support and love when Burke needed it most. They made a great team.
Burke is the son of Tim and Nancy Rutherford and Dave and Tammy Burke, all of whom are very proud of their son, his accomplishments and the entire family for the support and dedication they’ve shown.
Protect, Serve and Honor but above all be safe Trooper Burke.