NEW TROOPERS GRADUATE

(SYKESVILLE, MD) – Governor Martin O’Malley joined Colonel Terrence Sheridan today in graduation exercises for more than 40 new Maryland state troopers who have completed their six months of training and will soon be on patrol.

Governor O’Malley presented diplomas and Colonel Sheridan pinned badges on the 46 troopers of the 136th Trooper Candidate Class of the Maryland State Police Academy. The new troopers had just completed 26 weeks of rigorous training at the residential academy located in Sykesville.

This is the eighth State Police Academy class that has graduated during the O’Malley-Brown Administration. Governor O’Malley reminded the troopers of their important role in keeping Maryland safe.
“Public safety is your job and it is our State’s highest priority,” Governor O’Malley said. “It is why that even in these tough times, we have moved forward, continuing to hire, educate and train new troopers. The State of Maryland is behind you and the brave work you will do. Together, we will continue to make Maryland safer.”

Colonel Sheridan reminded the new troopers of the core values of the State Police which they must uphold. “You should be guided daily by our core values of integrity, fairness, and service,” Colonel Sheridan said. “You must be men and women of integrity, who are held to a higher standard. You must treat each person you encounter with fairness and you must remain committed to serving our citizens, whom you have sworn to protect.”

The guest speaker at graduation was Frank W. Abagnale, who is one of the world’s most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement and secure documents. He has worked with the FBI for more than 35 years and is an instructor at the FBI Academy. His early life was the basis for the movie, “Catch Me If You Can.” Mr. Abagnale talked to the new troopers about the importance of ethics and the need for them to fulfill their duties with honesty and integrity.

Almost half the class (22), are originally from outside Maryland. Their points of origin include California, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Haiti. Upon graduation, all troopers are required to live within Maryland. Thirteen troopers had their badges pinned on by relatives who are or have been in law enforcement, including five from the Maryland State Police.

After a few days of well-deserved leave, the new troopers will report to one of 22 barracks across Maryland to begin eight weeks of field training with a veteran trooper. Upon satisfactory completion of field training, the troopers will begin patrolling alone.