NEW JERSEY — Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan presented badges Friday to the state’s newest troopers during a graduation ceremony at Brookdale Community College.
The 167th New Jersey State Police Class graduated 148 recruits — 138 men and 10 women. Of the class, 143 hold college degrees, 15 are military veterans, and 16 have prior law enforcement experience. Fifty-seven were college athletes, and two served as firefighters.
The recruits completed 26 weeks of rigorous training, including classroom instruction, role-playing exercises such as motor vehicle stops and domestic violence scenarios, and cultural diversity education. For the first time, recruits visited the African American Museum and the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., experiences officials said were meant to strengthen their commitment to justice and community trust.
Life at the academy, one of the few fully residential police training programs in the nation, required recruits to live on-site from Monday to Friday, separated from loved ones. During training, two recruits had children born and six experienced the death of a family member.
More than 100 of the recruits have relatives who are either active or retired from law enforcement.
The graduates will now begin assignments at State Police stations across New Jersey under supervision.
“The graduates of the 167th Trooper Class have demonstrated the three principles of the New Jersey State Police: honor, duty, and fidelity,” said Governor Murphy. “As they join our ranks today, I commend them for their dedication and sacrifice in service to the people of New Jersey. I look forward to witnessing their continued growth and success as they work to protect and serve the communities of our state.”
“Today 148 New Jerseyans joined the ranks of the New Jersey State Police. They represent a vast cross-section of the people that make up our incredibly diverse state, yet they are united by their common goal – serving the 9.5 million people who call New Jersey home,” Murphy added. “They will no doubt face countless challenges throughout their careers, but I am confident this shared commitment to serving their neighbors, friends, and families will guide them each day in their pursuit of justice for all. I commend them for graduating from the Academy and thank them for their dedication, service, and sacrifice.”
“Today’s graduation is a proud milestone for these new troopers and the Division. They have demonstrated the discipline, commitment, and character required to serve with honor, duty, and fidelity, the core values of the New Jersey State Police,” said Colonel Callahan. “Although they have completed their time at the academy, they will continue their training and professional growth throughout their careers as they uphold their solemn commitment to protect and serve the people of New Jersey.”
