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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 26, 2009


 
 
104 New Troopers Graduate Academy

150th New Jersey State Police Recruit Training Class
Completes Intensive 26-Week Training Program

Toms River, NJ - Governor Jon Corzine, Attorney General Anne Milgram and State Police Superintendent Colonel Joseph R. Fuentes today presented badges to New Jersey’s newest state troopers during graduation ceremonies at the Ritacco Center.

The 150th New Jersey State Police class started with 144 recruits and graduated 104 troopers. This class is the most diverse State Police class in New Jersey’s history with a 30% minority makeup, including 22 Hispanic males, 5 African-American males and 5 Asian-Americans consisting of 4 males and 1 female.

Sixteen percent of the class has prior military service (Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard). Of this graduating class, 62% have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher. Five of the recruits were engaged, three were married and two had children born during their academy training.

"Congratulations to each of the 104 graduates of the 150th class of the New Jersey State Police. Today, you become the ultimate guardians of the citizens of the Garden State and we thank you for your commitment and service," Governor Jon S. Corzine said. "As you embark on your new assignments, I am confident you will uphold the traditions of Honor, Duty and Fidelity of this great law enforcement organization."

"You are part of a State Police organization that has undergone historic change and in the process, become a role model for the nation. But we did not get there simply by acquiring new technology or generating new policies. Ultimately, those are tools and tools are only as effective as the people who use them. That is where you, the graduates of the 150th State Police Class, come in. Ultimately, the success of the State Police mission is in your hands," said Attorney General Milgram.

"This class is the most diverse in our rich history. Their backgrounds coupled with their highly effective training will equip them to enforce the laws of our state constitutionally, fairly and without bias. I have no doubt this training has prepared them for the demanding yet rewarding career of protecting the citizens of the State of New Jersey. We look forward to our new Troopers positive contribution to our organization," said Colonel Fuentes.

"The troopers seated before you have endured twenty six weeks of intensive training. I have watched these men and women transform from recruits into troopers ready to enforce the laws of the state," said New Jersey State Police Academy Commandant Captain Mark Muse.

The new troopers have been fully trained in the use of police computer systems and each will use a mobile data terminal from which police-related information can be quickly and accurately obtained and police reports entered directly into State Police systems.

The 150th class completed 26 weeks of strenuous physical and academic training consisting of exhaustive classroom and practical training scenarios involving legal search procedures. The recruits participated in extensive training and role-playing exercises which focused on responding to and handling domestic violence situations, human dignity and human relations exercises, cultural diversity and sensitivity training and the State Police initiative of community policing. In the area involving cultural diversity and minority instruction, the troopers received detailed instruction from experts outside of the State Police, including representatives from ethnic, cultural, community and professional organizations.

In commenting on the overall selection process for State Police recruit training classes, Colonel Fuentes reported that each applicant applying to the State Police is required to have a minimum of 60 college credits plus two years of work experience, a bachelor’s degree, or 30 college credits plus 2 years of active military service.

Colonel Fuentes said that the probationary troopers will be assigned to stations throughout the state and over the next 11 weeks, the new troopers will begin their careers under the watchful eye of their Trooper-Coaches and supervisors.

Colonel Fuentes recognized the Division of State Police members who have served in the military. Division members who are active in, or retired from military service, and that have been mobilized in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Joint Task Force Guantanamo and other military deployments were in attendance.

Two of our graduates are Marine reservists who are scheduled to report to their Marine mobilization site on Monday June 29, 2009. They are Lance Corporal David Dabrowski, 24 from River Edge, NJ and Corporal James A. Herne, also 24, from South Plainfield, NJ. Both Marines serve with the Marine Wing Support Squadron #472.

List of graduates (PDF)

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