The State Highway Patrol proudly welcomed 65 new troopers at a graduation ceremony held for the 153rd Basic Highway Patrol School on Friday.  The ceremony ended 35 weeks of rigorous training to prepare the new troopers for a rewarding career of service to the state of North Carolina.

The closed ceremony was held at the Shepherd’s Church in Cary at 10 am today with strict COVID-19 safety precautions in place. Guest speaker Jane Ammons Gilchrist, NC Department of Public Safety Chief of Staff, imparted congratulatory remarks to the graduating class. The oath of office was administered by Judge Jeffrey K. Carpenter of the North Carolina Court of Appeals.  Colonel Freddy L. Johnson, Jr., the 28th Commander of the State Highway Patrol, also provided remarks to the newest sworn members of the State Highway Patrol.

“Once you report to your duty station you will face opportunities to form vital relationships with coworkers, partner agencies and those in the communities you serve,” said Col. Johnson.  “Those a part of your community will expect the very best of you, and for some it will be expected at the very worst of times.” 

These new state troopers will report to their respective duty stations on Oct. 6 to begin a demanding field training program.

Three new troopers have been assigned to the State Highway Patrol Station in Goldsboro: Luke Frederick, Ericka Ginn, and Matthew Mote.