Two New Probationary Troopers Assigned To Versailles District

Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 3:26 PM

By Indiana State Police, news release

On December 19, 2020, thirty-six probationary troopers graduated from the 80th Indiana State Police Academy.

Sam Simpkins (left) and Brandon Love. Photos provided. 

(Versailles, Ind.) - On December 19, 2020, thirty-six probationary troopers graduated from the 80th Indiana State Police Academy. This week, two of those troopers reported for duty at the ISP-Versailles District.

Probationary troopers now begin their next phase of instruction, a three-month field training period, working alongside veteran troopers. Field training aims to give troopers a practical application to the training they received throughout the formal academy. Upon completing field training, the troopers will be assigned a state police patrol vehicle and begin solo patrol. These troopers have already completed over 1,200 hours of structured training in law enforcement techniques and hands-on, scenario-based training at the Indiana State Police Recruit Academy. Their curriculum included criminal law instruction, emergency vehicle operations, psychology, traffic law, crash investigation, self-defense, first responder, and other general enforcement related training.

The two new troopers assigned to the Versailles Post are Troopers Sam Simpkins and Brandon Love.

Trp. Simpkins is a 2015 graduate of Milan High School in Milan, Indiana.  After high school, he attended Thomas More University where he graduated in 2019 with a degree in Criminal Justice.  Trp. Simpkins lives in Ripley County, Indiana.  After completing the field training program, he will be assigned to patrol zone 1, which consists of Jackson and Bartholomew Counties.

Trp. Love is a 2017 graduate of Charlestown High School in Charlestown, Indiana.  After high school, he worked for the City of Charlestown.  Trp. Love lives in Clark County, Indiana.  After completion of the field training program, he will also be assigned to patrol zone 1, Jackson and Bartholomew Counties.

Individuals seeking information on a career as an Indiana state trooper should go to the website located at https://www.in.gov/isp/2368.htm. This website will provide a detailed synopsis of the application process, as well as career information about the Indiana State Police Department.

More from Local News


Events

State Sen. Leising Welcomes Students to the Statehouse

Eleven area students served as Senate Pages this legislative session.

Ripley Co. Experiencing Flooded Roadways

Click to see which areas to avoid.

Batesville Woman Sentenced for Theft from Local Orthodontist

Sentencing was handed down on Wednesday in Ripley County.

IBCA Releases Girls Basketball All-State Teams

Nineteen players from the area earned recognition.

2025-26 ORVC Boys Basketball All-Conference Team Announced

Conference champs South Ripley led the way with four selections.

Local Sports Report - March 4, 2026

The IHSAA Boys Basketball State Tournament continued on Wednesday.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Darius Rucker - For the First Time

Rascal Flatts What Hurts The Most 1:04
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 1:03
Larry Fleet Where I Find God 0:59
Patty Loveless Blame It on Your Heart 0:55