Illinois State Police District 19 Interim Commander, Lieutenant Lance Hinkle, announces the addition of two new Troopers to District 19, which serves Wabash, Edwards, Wayne, White, Hamilton, Saline, and Gallatin Counties. Trooper Jonathan Pflaum and Trooper Gabe Schimp were assigned to District 19 Patrol following their graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield, Cadet Class 129. Both Troopers have been assigned to patrol duties in District 19 and have begun their Field Training programs.
Trooper Jonathan Pflaum, originally from Olney, Illinois, joins the Illinois State Police after serving a combined six years as a police officer with the Mt. Carmel and Olney Police Departments. Trooper Pflaum is the son of Johnny and Angie Pflaum of Olney, and a 2009 graduate of Richland County High School. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Gateway Community College in 2018. Trooper Pflaum will reside in Richland County.
Trooper Gabe Schimp, originally from Eldorado, Illinois, joins the Illinois State Police after serving four years as a police officer with the Eldorado Police Department. Trooper Schimp is the son of Chris and Jan Schimp of Eldorado, and a 2009 graduate of Eldorado High School. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Southern Illinois University in 2013. Trooper Schimp will reside in Saline County. Lieutenant Hinkle would like to welcome Trooper Pflaum and Trooper Schimp to District 19. He, along with the officers in District 19, wish them the best of luck as they begin their law enforcement careers with the Illinois State Police.