JASPER– Master Trooper Gaven Wilson of the Indiana State Police has been recognized as the 2024 Trooper of the District for the Jasper region. The prestigious honor was announced today by Lieutenant Brock Werne, Jasper District Commander, and formally bestowed upon Trooper Wilson in Indianapolis by Superintendent Anthony Scott during a special ceremony acknowledging exemplary troopers from across the state.
“This honor is bestowed upon a deserving Trooper who exemplifies the Department’s high standards and expectations as related to the overall mission,” stated Lieutenant Werne. He further emphasized that the selection process considers a trooper’s “professionalism, integrity, well-rounded work ethic, service to the community both on and off duty, and assigned responsibilities.”
A 30-year veteran of the Indiana State Police, Trooper Wilson is a graduate of North Daviess High School (1988) and the University of Evansville (1992). He joined the force in June 1995, graduating from the 52nd Indiana State Police Recruit Class and initially serving at the Lowell Post in Lake County. In 1996, Trooper Wilson transferred to the Jasper District, where he continues to patrol Daviess and Martin Counties diligently.
Throughout his distinguished career, Trooper Wilson has held various specialized roles, including Field Training Officer (FTO), where he mentors new troopers. He is also a dedicated sponsor of the “Just Say No” and “Level Up” programs in local schools, demonstrating his commitment to youth outreach. His past service includes contributions to the Mobile Field Force (MFF), Bomb Squad, and as a Crash Reconstructionist.
Known for his exceptional knowledge of the local criminal justice system, Trooper Wilson is frequently sought out by other law enforcement agencies for his investigative expertise and assistance with complex cases. Notably, nearly all of his investigations are self-initiated. In 2024 alone, he served as the lead investigator in cases spanning a range of serious offenses, including Rape, Child Molesting, Domestic Battery, Theft of Firearms, Fraud, and Auto Theft, in addition to numerous drug possession investigations.
Trooper Wilson maintains a strong connection with the local education community, fostering positive relationships with school administrators, teachers, and students. In 2024, he conducted 47 impressive Public Information Officer (PIO) events at local schools and churches. His dedication has earned him widespread respect throughout Daviess and Martin Counties, where he serves as a positive role model and mentor for young people.
Described as one of the most well-rounded troopers at the Jasper Post, Trooper Wilson effectively balances his patrol and investigative duties with a priority-based approach, always striving to serve victims. His proactive approach to community policing involves actively engaging with the community – walking sidewalks, listening to business owners, and checking in with School Resource Officers – all to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community. This high-visibility approach has contributed to his remarkable record of nearly 900,000 Safe Driving Miles throughout his career.
His impressive activity in 2024 includes: 69 criminal arrests, 25 felony arrests, 44 defendants, 387 warnings, 101 citations, 488 total traffic stops, 48 case reports, 35 police services provided, five crash reports, 26,098 safe driving miles, 291.5 patrol hours, 230.5 criminal investigation hours, 13 crash investigation hours, and one operating while tntoxicated (OWI) arrest.
Trooper Wilson is an active member of the Harvest Community Church in Bloomfield and resides in Daviess County with his wife, Yumi, and their beloved pets. His dedication to his duty and his community makes him a truly deserving recipient of the “Trooper of the District” honor.
