An Independence man is the newest addition to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The K-H-P has announced that Benjamin Roark has joined Troop H in patrolling the highways of southeast Kansas. Roark is an Independence native and has previously served as a police officer with the Independence Police Department. In his new role, he will be stationed in Montgomery County.

Photo: Master Trooper Brett Goins, Trooper Benjamin Roark, Master Trooper Nick Reddy