INDIANAPOLIS— The Indiana State Police held an awards and recognition ceremony in Indianapolis this past Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The ceremony publicly recognized the achievements and accomplishments that all too often go unnoticed. Officers were recognized for their dedication, service, bravery, and devotion to the department and the citizens of Indiana.
Trooper Garrett Tharp was recognized as the 2023 Trooper of District for the Toll Road Post. This award is given annually to a trooper in each district who personifies integrity, professionalism, and a well-rounded work ethic. His command staff selected Tharp for his dedication, traffic, criminal enforcement, community involvement, and other services performed for the department beyond normal expectations.
In 2023, Tharp was responsible for 1,276 traffic stops and 466 criminal arrests, 61 of which were felonies. Tharp continued to make the roads safer by arresting 21 motorists for operating while intoxicated.
Tharp is a 3 ½ year veteran of the Indiana State Police. He primarily patrols the Indiana Toll Road in St. Joseph, Elkhart, and LaGrange County.
Trooper Alvin Best received the District DUI Award for the Indiana State Police Toll Road Post. This award is presented to the top trooper in each district for outstanding efforts in removing intoxicated drivers from Indiana’s roadways. Best’s efforts resulted in 36 arrests for drivers operating while intoxicated.
Best has been a trooper for nearly 4 ½ years. He patrols the Indiana Toll Road primarily in Lake and Porter County.
