The Lafayette District of the Indiana State Police is proud to welcome two new probationary troopers who graduated from the 87th Indiana State Police Academy on July 24, 2025. These troopers now begin their careers at the Lafayette District with a three-month field training program. During this period, they will work alongside experienced troopers to apply the skills and knowledge they gained throughout their academy training.
After successfully completing field training, each trooper will be issued a state police patrol vehicle and assigned to solo patrol duties within the district. Both recruits completed over 1,200 hours of intensive instruction, which included courses in criminal and traffic law, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms training, crash investigation, first aid, and other essential areas of modern policing.
Trooper Matthew Gill grew up in Carroll County and is a 2020 graduate of Carroll High School. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement from Indiana University Kokomo in 2024. In 2023, Gill interned with the Indiana State Police at the Lafayette Post, gaining early insight into the agency’s operations and values. Following graduation, he worked as a Jail Deputy with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office before beginning his training at the Indiana State Police Academy. He currently resides in Carroll County.
Trooper Lance Warner is a native of Cayuga, Indiana, and a 2015 graduate of North Vermillion High School. He earned a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln, Illinois, in 2021. Before joining the Indiana State Police, Warner worked professionally in social media marketing. His diverse background and leadership training will bring a unique perspective to the department. He currently resides in Fountain County.
Lieutenant Tom McKee, Lafayette District Commander, expressed his confidence in the new troopers, stating,
“Troopers Gill and Warner bring strong educational backgrounds, professional experience, and a clear commitment to public service. We’re proud to welcome them to the Lafayette District and look forward to the positive impact they’ll make in our communities.”
The Indiana State Police continues to seek motivated individuals interested in a career in law enforcement. For more information about becoming an Indiana State Trooper, visit IndianaTrooper.com to learn more about the hiring process and career opportunities.
