For Release: Immediate  Date: August 16, 2001

F/Sgt. Jeff Winstead SHP Public Information Officer Phone:(919) 733-5027 (ext. 238)

RALEIGH-Forty-nine new Troopers graduated today from the 104th Basic School of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. They were sworn in during ceremonies at the Dorton Arena on the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. First Lady Mary Easley congratulated the class in the keynote address.

"We are proud to welcome the 104th Basic School graduates as members of one of the nation's finest law enforcement organizations," said Bryan E. Beatty, secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, of which the Highway Patrol is a division. "I am confident these Troopers are prepared for the challenges that lie ahead on North Carolina's highways."

Ten members of the class are college graduates, 11 have associate degrees, 16 have prior law enforcement experience, and 15 have prior military service. One is the brother of a current member of the patrol, and one is both the son of a current member and the brother of a current member.

"I welcome our newest Troopers to the Highway Patrol family," said Colonel Richard Holden, Patrol commander. "They have joined a proud agency that has been making our highways safer since 1929."

The new Troopers mastered 1,110 hours of instruction in 77 law enforcement subjects, including accident investigation and criminal and constitutional law, firearms training, and precision driving. But their education is never over. On-the-job training and annual in-service schools boost a Trooper's expertise throughout his/her career.

The new Troopers report to their duty stations on Tuesday, August 28.

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