SD Highway Patrol hosts 14th Annual Awards Ceremony

Published by admin on Fri, 06/19/2026 - 2:39pm

ZEMPEL ACCEPTS AWARD – DPS Secretary Bob Perry and Col. Casey Collins present Trooper Paige Zempel (center) with the Trooper of the Year award.

KEMNITZ ACCEPTS AWARD – Inspector Aaron Kemnitz (center) accepts the SDHP Motor Carrier Inspector of the Year Award from DPS Secretary Bob Perry and Col. Casey Collins. ~ Courtesy Photos

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is proud to announce Trooper Paige Zempel has been named the 2025 Trooper of the Year, and Inspector Aaron Kemnitz has been named the 2025 Motor Carrier Inspector of the Year. These honors are among the agency’s highest distinctions, recognizing exceptional service and commitment to keeping South Dakota a safe place to live, work, and travel. The awards were presented by Colonel Casey Collins, Superintendent, SD Highway Patrol.

Trooper Zempel has served with the Highway Patrol for nearly six years and is stationed in the Glacial Lakes Squad. Trooper Zempel is widely respected for her strong work ethic, professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to the community. In addition to serving as a District Crash Coordinator, she remains a top contributor to highway safety through proactive enforcement and public engagement. For more on this story and many more please purchase a copy of the Sisseton Courier on news stands now or purchase a copy of the E-edtion on this website.

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