Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman and Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, presented badges to New Jersey’s newest state troopers during graduation ceremonies at Pine Belt Arena this morning.
The 154th New Jersey State Police class started with 200 recruits and graduated 149 troopers. Of this graduating class, approximately one-third are minority graduates, approximately 80% have a Bachelor's Degree or higher, 40% played college sports, 25% have prior law enforcement experience, and 21% have prior military experience (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard).
The 154th class completed 24 weeks of strenuous physical and academic training consisting of exhaustive classroom and practical training scenarios.
The life of a New Jersey State Police 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 on Monday, and they do not return home until dismissal on Friday. During this time, recruits are away from their families during significant life events. While this class was in the academy, nine recruits endured a family death, one recruit got married, and 10 recruits got engaged.
In addition to honoring all graduates from the 154th class, Colonel Fuentes presented the following awards:
The winner of the "High Academic Award" is Trooper Matthew Dye, of Mount Laurel with an overall average of 93.1%.
The winner of the "High Marksman Award" is Trooper Nicholas Marzocca, of Mays Landing hit 399 hits out of a possible 400 rounds.
The winner of the "Outstanding Recruit Award" is Trooper Bradford Hippe, of Matawan selected by the academy instructors.
The winner of the "High Physical Award" is Trooper Dennis Ehret, of Williamstown who scored 96.6% in physical agility testing.
The winner of the "Lieutenant James Walsh Award" is Trooper Richard Tabor, of Elizabeth for exhibited dedication, commitment, loyalty, and unselfishness during training.
The winner of the "Peer Outstanding Recruit Award" is Trooper Pierre Toma, selected by his or her peers.
The winner of the Dennis Zilinski Military Service Award is Trooper Paul Volpe, of Glen Rock presented to outstanding recruit who is currently serving or who has served in the U.S. military, and demonstrated active support and service to the class, and exemplifies the State Police’s service to the citizens of this state.