April 29, 2022
SPD Honors and Welcomes Lateral Academy Graduates
Springfield, Mo. - On Friday, April 29, the Springfield Police Department welcomed three new officers into the ranks after graduating from the 20th Lateral Police Academy. The new graduates were honored with a ceremony at the Springfield Regional Police and Fire Training Center, 2620 W. Battlefield.
A lateral officer is an experienced officer who came from another law enforcement agency and attends an abbreviated academy at the Springfield Regional Police and Fire Training Center. During the lateral academy, they receive six weeks (240 hours) of training to become acclimated to Springfield and the Springfield Police Department. After graduation, the officers are assigned to an experienced field-training officer (FTO) for six weeks of on-the-job training. Once that’s completed, the new officers are assigned to SPD’s Uniform Operations Bureau.
Officer Chad Eutsler returns to SPD after retiring at the rank of captain in 2020. Eutsler is the first retired SPD officer to take advantage of the policy approved by City Council that allows retired officers to be rehired. Officer Chris Trudell comes to SPD from the Roseville Police Department in California. Officer Jeff Hook comes to SPD from the Christian County Sheriff's Office in Missouri.
Congratulations to each of the Springfield Police Department's newest officers.
Download full size image: (pictured left to right) Chief Paul Williams, Officer Chris Trudell, Officer Chad Eutsler, Officer Jeff Hook
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Media Contact: Cris Swaters, Public Affairs Officer
417-864-1786
[email protected]