LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Lafayette District of the Indiana State Police welcomes two new probationary troopers, Lance Warner, a 2015 graduate of North Vermillion High School, and Matthew Gill, a 2020 graduate of Carroll High School.
Warner and Gill graduated on July 24 from the 87th Indiana State Police Academy.
Warner is a native of Cayuga, Ind. He earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln, Ill., 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.
Gill grew up in Carroll County. He earned 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.
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,’’ he said.
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 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.
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.