BUFFALO, N.Y. — A total of 181 new state troopers who graduated Thursday from the New York State Police Academy.
Four awards were also given out to the new officers, including Matthew Weinholtz, who lives in Orchard Park. He was honored with a firearm from the Police Benevolent Association.
Weinholtz, 31, was chosen to be the student representative for this year's graduating class.
"You made it through grueling training. You made it through wake up calls. The late night legal studies, passing the bar exam because you have to know so many of our laws, and today it all pays off as you join the most prestigious law enforcement group, one of the very best in the nation," Gov. Kathy Hochul said during the ceremony."
Weinholtz graduated from Mercyhurst University with a bachelor’s degree in intelligence studies, then served as a trooper with the Virginia State Police. He was assigned to Troop A, out of Batavia.
Hochul said that after the graduation, there were more than 5,100 sworn-in members on the force. There's now 5,183 sworn members, to be exact.
"I commend these 181 men and women for dedicating themselves to public service, and their commitment to protecting the people of New York State," Governor Hochul said.
"The New York State Police put their lives on the line each day to keep us safe, serving as a critical lifeline for all New Yorkers. On behalf of the State, I want to thank the graduates for their perseverance and welcome them to the long gray line."