The Montana Highway Patrol is accepting applications for 10 new troopers between now and mid-October. Training begins in April 2017.

“Montana’s law enforcement professionals are her true heroes, and that most certainly is true of our Montana Highway Patrol troopers,” Attorney General Tim Fox said in a prepared statement. “The reputation of this agency and our Montana way of life makes trooper recruitment a highly competitive process as men and women from all across the country seek to carry on the Patrol’s legacy of service and honor.”

He said last fall, 364 applicants answered the patrol’s request for 10 new recruits.

According to the Montana Highway Patrol website, state troopers collectively drive more than 5.5 million miles each year, respond to more than 160,000 calls for service and issue more than 85,000 tickets.

According to the website, recruits are paid $18.23 per hour while they undergo training. The salary for a probationary trooper is $22.79 per hour.

The organization is recruiting for entry and lateral applicants.

Training for entry-level applicants is 23 weeks. Training for lateral applicants is 11 weeks.

Patrol Col. Tom Butler said the organization is looking for people interested in making a safer state.

“For 81 years, the patrol has worked to reduce the amount of criminal activity on all Montana highways and roads by apprehending fugitives, recovering stolen vehicles, confiscating illegal drugs and weapons, cooperating with all enforcement task forces, and sharing intelligence with partner law enforcement agencies,” Butler said.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 14.

For more details and application instructions, visit https://dojmt.gov/highwaypatrol.

For more information about the trooper selection process and requirements, contact MHP at 1-(877) 8-PATROL toll-free or (406) 444-3259.

Reporter Katheryn Houghton may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at [email protected].