Albany, NY (News10) — Today 238 new state troopers marched across the stage of the Empire State Plaza Convention Center and into the next phase of their careers as official members of New York state police force.
“I give all New Yorkers my assurance that the men and women who appear before you today will faithfully uphold their oath and they will serve, protect and defend New Yorkers,” NY State Police Superintendent Steven James told the packed convention center at the 217th graduation of the NY State Police Academy.
“We studied together, and we trained together,” said Trooper Steven Lagano, reflecting on the rigors of the past 30 weeks of training. “We also struggled together. We failed together. And now we greet success together.”
New graduate Courtny Briggs says her daughter Violet Joy was her motivation for becoming a trooper.
“I needed to be able to provide a life for her and to make sure that she was going to be good and healthy and safe for the rest of her life,” said Briggs. “So, it’s good motivation to have a kid.”
Before the ceremony closed, a video showed just how grueling the training is for state troopers. Of the more than 4,000 who originally applied, only 238 made the cut. While reminded of their elite status and how far they’d come, a message of humility and service was pervasive.
“As we go out there to serve, remember that every person you encounter has a story behind every call as someone in crisis,” said Lagano. “Your best weapon will not be the one on your hip, but rather your empathy and understanding.”
Learn more about how to apply to become a state trooper at joinstatepolice.ny.gov.
