La Grande man assigned to local OSP force

A local man among eight troopers who graduated today from the Oregon State Police basic training program is set to take a position with the La Grande area command.

Travis Moody, 26, of La Grande graduated from the Department of Public Standards and Safety basic program today. He has been assigned to the La Grande unit, according to an OSP announcement.

Moody, the son of Curt Moody and Janet Creel, grew up in La Grande and graduated from La Grande High School. He is the grandson of Robert and Beverly Moody, and Chuck Creel, all of La Grande. His grandmother, Linda Creel, died earlier.

The new OSP recruit troopers follow in the footsteps of 10 OSP recruit troopers who graduated in October following the approval of funding during the 2007 and 2008 legislative sessions.Since July 2007, OSP has hired and retained 112 recruit troopers. The goal is 139.

“The state’s investment in public safety is about to pay off,” said OSP Superintendent Timothy McLain. “Beginning in January, we will have 50 fully trained new troopers on solo patrol throughout the state.”

McLain said when all 139 troopers are trained and on the road, the OSP anticipates making significant impacts to improve transportation safety and help reduce criminal activity.

The eight OSP recruit troopers joined 23 city police and six  county sheriff graduating recruit officers during Friday’s ceremony in front of family and friends.

They will report to assignments in La Grande, Albany, Portland, St. Helens, The Dalles and Tualatin.

The OSP has another Entry Level Testing opportunity scheduled at Canby High School Feb. 7-8.

Those who submit applications for upcoming hiring opportunities are required to participate in the Entry Level Testing that includes a physical fitness test consisting of push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile timed run.

The OSP recruiting website at www.OSPTrooper.com specifics and standards for passing.

Applicants who successfully complete the physical fitness tests proceed to take a written test to evaluate basic educational competencies.

Applicants passing the written test are invited to take an aptitude test and begin the background investigation process.

Anyone interested in becoming an Oregon State Police trooper can obtain more information on the OSP recruiting website, including new department video tour links at www.OSPTrooper.com providing a glimpse at recruit training and the different work troopers do.