2018 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2018

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Public Information Bureau (609) 882-2000
Major Brian Polite - ext. 6514
Lt. Theodore Schafer - ext. 6515
SFC Jeff Flynn - ext. 6516
Sgt. Lawrence Peele - ext. 6531
Tpr. Alejandro Goez - ext. 6527


161 New Troopers Receive Badges in Toms River

158th New Jersey State Police Recruit Training Class Graduates

Toms River, N.J. - Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal, and Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police, presented badges to New Jersey's newest state troopers during graduation ceremonies at the RWJ Barnabas Health Arena this morning.

The 158th New Jersey State Police Class graduated 147 men and 14 women. Of this graduating class, 77 percent have a Bachelor's degree or higher, 18 percent are prior military, and 15 percent have prior law enforcement experience. Also, 28 among the class are multi-lingual and 13 are Trooper Youth Week graduates.

The class completed 24 weeks of strenuous physical and academic training consisting of classroom lessons and practical training scenarios. The recruits also participated in role-playing exercises focused on motor vehicle stops, domestic violence situations, and human dignity. In the area of cultural diversity, the class received detailed instruction from community and cultural organizations.

The life of a recruit is challenging in many ways. The New Jersey State Police Training Academy is one of the few residential academies in the nation. Recruits report to the academy before dawn on Monday morning, and they do not return home until dismissal on Friday evening. Therefore, recruits are away from their families during significant life events.

The newly-graduated troopers have been assigned to stations throughout the state, and over the next few months, they will begin their careers under the watchful eye of their Trooper-Coaches and supervisors.

“Today, the 161 graduates of the 158th New Jersey State Police Class are joining an elite group of law enforcement officers. In doing so, these men and women will continue a proud tradition of leadership and service in protecting and safeguarding the residents of this great state,” said Governor Phil Murphy.I am confident this new generation of leaders will serve New Jersey with pride, dignity and honor.”

“Congratulations to the New Jersey State Police Class graduates as they embark on a life in public service. We are very fortunate to have recruited such a bright and talented group of officers and I am hopeful that in the line of duty they will always serve with respect, dignity and compassion,” said Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. “We are grateful for their decision to enter this difficult and rewarding career and I wish them the best in the line of duty.”

“As Attorney General, I hear on a daily basis about the vital work that New Jersey State Troopers perform to keep the people of our state safe and secure,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “Whether they are patrolling our highways, arresting narcotics and gun traffickers, investigating violent crimes, apprehending child predators, or handling any number of other critical duties, the men and women of the State Police serve with courage and distinction. I congratulate the members of the 158th Class, and I wish them success and safety as they join the ranks and the proud tradition of the New Jersey State Police.”

"The men and women of the 158th Class began their academy training as recruits and today embark on their careers as New Jersey State Troopers," said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. "Now that their academy training is complete, they will be tasked with serving and protecting our citizens. I am confident that they will put to use what they have learned over the course of the last six months and are adequately prepared for the challenges they will encounter.”

In addition to honoring all graduates from the 158th class, Colonel Callahan presented the following awards:

  • The recipient of the "Father Grady Award" is Trooper Ledyard Smith IV, of Parsippany, N.J.  This award is presented to the recruit with the highest academic average.
  • The recipient of the "Captain Baxter Award" is Trooper Daniel Solomon, of Piscataway, N.J.  This award is presented to the recruit with the highest marksmanship average.
  • The recipient of the "H. Norman Schwarzkopf Award" is Trooper Jake D’Angelo, of Hamilton Twp., N.J.  This award is presented to the recruit with the highest physical average.
  • The recipient of the "Dennis William Zilinski Award" is Trooper Michael Minardi, of Mullica Hill, N.J.  This award is presented to the outstanding recruit who is currently serving or who has served in the U.S. military, demonstrated active support and service to the class, and exemplifies the State Police's service to the citizens of this state.
  • The recipient of the "Commandant’s Award" is Trooper Michael Giaquinto, of Hackettstown, N.J.  This award is presented to the outstanding recruit selected by the academy instructors.
  • The recipient of the "Lieutenant James Walsh Award" is Trooper Jazmin Palma, of North Bergen, N.J.  This award is presented to the person who exhibited dedication, commitment, loyalty, and unselfishness during training.
  • The recipient of the "Superintendent’s Award" is Trooper Joelle Butrico, of Seaside Park, N.J.  This award is presented to the outstanding recruit selected by his or her peers.
Photo of the 158th New Jersey State Police Recruit Training Class Graduates

158th New Jersey State Police
Recruit Training Class Graduates

# # #

Follow the New Jersey State Police online at Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The social media links provided are for reference only. The New Jersey State Police do not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.


Open Public Records Act
 
Divisional: NJSP Home | About Us | Recruiting | Division | Public Information | Services | News | FAQs | Contact Us
Departmental: OAG Home | Contact OAG | About OAG | OAG News | OAG FAQs
Statewide: NJ Home | Services A to Z | Departments/Agencies | FAQs

Copyright © State of New Jersey,
New Jersey State Police