JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Wyoming Highway Patrol will add three fulltime troopers to the Jackson area. Adrian Bustamante (Badge 93), Justin Gardner (Badge 68) and Michael Merritt (Badge 123) were all graduates of the Wyoming Highway Patrol Academy Class #92.
The Trooper Basic Academy concluded on March 23 when members of the academy took their oaths of office and transitioned from their “Recruit” badges to their official badges in front of family and friends.
Adrian Bustamante was born in Rexburg Idaho. He grew up in Sugar City, Idaho where he graduated from Sugar-Salem High School in 2011. He attended Utah State University where he graduated with a degree in Spanish and a dual minor in Communication and Latin American Studies. While attending Utah State, he worked as a firefighter in Smithfield, Utah. He enjoys shooting, snowboarding, working out, hiking, and spending time with his family and friends.
Justin Gardner was born and raised in Star Valley, Wyoming. After graduating from high school in 2008, he wrestled for Colby Community College and served a voluntary two-year LDS mission in Jamaica. He returned to wrestle for Northwest College and later Montana State University before transferring to the University of Wyoming where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English Studies. Justin enjoys hunting, snowmobiling, riding his horse, working out, and working on the family farm. He’s been married for two-and-a-half years and is currently expecting his first child.
Michael Merritt was born in Star Valley, Wyoming. He has been married to his wife since 2010 and has three children. He is excited to get back to his hometown area where he can serve those that helped him become what he is today.
