State Highway Patrol graduates 18 new troopers

Apr. 22—RALEIGH — The State Highway Patrol proudly welcomed 18 new troopers today at a graduation ceremony held for the 162nd Basic Highway Patrol School. The ceremony celebrated these new law enforcement officers on their accomplishment and decision to embark on a rewarding career of service to the state of North Carolina, according to a press release from N.C. State Highway Patrol.

The ceremony was held at 10 o'clock at Hope Community Church in Raleigh. Department of Public Safety Chief of Staff Jane Ammons Gilchrist served as guest speaker, providing remarks to the ceremony attendees. The oath of office was administered by Superior Court Judge Claire V. Hill of North Carolina Judicial District 12. Colonel Freddy L. Johnson, Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol, provided words of encouragement to the new troopers and their families.

"This has been a challenging journey for each of you and your families as you sought out this worthy goal of service to the people of this state," said Johnson. "As of today, the rewards will be daily as you know that your mission of saving lives is being accomplished with every educational and enforcement opportunity that you face.

These new state troopers will report to their respective duty stations on Wednesday, May 8, to begin a demanding field training program. A list of the graduates with their assigned duty station is attached. A photograph of the graduating class and photographs from today's ceremony will be available at the Patrol's Facebook page later today: https://www.facebook.com/NCHighwayPatrol.