New Highway Patrol troopers in Gaston enjoy being stability for others

New N.C. Highway Patrol Troopers Dustin Gilbert and Walker Bryant want to help residents to feel safe even in chaotic situations.

"I like being that stability for somebody even in challenging moments," said Gilbert of Kings Mountain.

Bryant, 21, of Caldwell County, and Gilbert, 27, began their training with Gaston County's Highway Patrol District in fall 2021. 

What do troopers do?

The main objective of the job involves reducing fatalities throughout the state and putting a priority on Gaston County for Bryant and Gilbert.

“We do this through enforcement of safety laws like reducing speed, wearing your seat belt to reduce DWIs and doing collision investigations," said Gilbert.

Troopers also work with local fire departments, emergency response teams and other agencies with investigations. 

The day-to-day job involves a lot of freedom and responsibility for a state trooper, said Gilbert.

"We make our own schedules every day and we never know what will happen depending on the emergency calls we get," said Gilbert. "But, we also have statewide jurisdiction and might have to help in other counties for things like hurricanes."

“It’s nice being on the preventative side of problems like helping someone with a flat tire rather than something more dangerous,” said Bryant.

Motivation

Bryant says that his grandfather, a former police officer, and his high school experiences influenced his decision to become a state trooper. 

"I got to do an internship with law enforcement in high school and they called on the state troopers often for help with car wrecks," said Bryant. "I really appreciated how professional they were and they always had all the answers." 

Bryant says seeing how helpful state troopers are in times of need made him feel called to fill the role.

Gilbert was introduced to the work of state troopers as a child when riding in the car with his grandparents. 

"I remember they were ticketed for not having me in the right children's seat," said Gilbert. "But, they were very positive and respectful and explained the situation to them and that made me want to fill that same role." 

Gilbert wants to educate his community through his job and build positive relationships with residents. 

What does it take?

“It definitely takes integrity, “ said Bryant. “You really have to come to work every day ready for anything,”

The process to become a state trooper involves a lengthy application and training process consisting of background checks, Basic Patrol School and field training. 

Patrol officers must be between the ages of 21 and 39. Applicants can be 20 years old when applying but must be 21 years old when entering Basic Patrol School. 

Basic Patrol School can include more than 12 weeks of training and field training and includes 10 weeks of training with experienced officers. The length of training varies by district. 

Gaston County's Highway Patrol District now includes 14 state troopers, but the district also has five openings, which would bring the total to 19. 

"It's a very rewarding career," said 1st Sgt. Joel Williams, who began working with Gaston County's Highway Patrol 21 years ago. 

Applicants must have a clean criminal record and be in decent physical condition, such as being able to do basic exercises, William says. 

Williams encourages those interested in applying to reach out to the district office at 704-853-5373.

Reach Janiya Winchester at 704-869-1842 or jwinchester@gannett.com