"As a Trooper, you will be called on to show leadership in responding to public safety hazards, defusing potentially violent situations, and aiding the sick and injured—our most vulnerable citizens. You will be called on to deal with people who do not respect our laws. And you will be asked on a regular basis to put your personal safety at risk to help others. I commend each of you for having the courage and sense of purpose to commit yourselves to such a career,” said Attorney General Chiesa.

“This class represents the best and brightest in the state. Their diverse life and professional experiences will undoubtedly help them as they embark on their new career as protectors and servants of the citizens of this great state,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

The 151st New Jersey State Police class started with 123 recruits and graduated 85 troopers.
Fourteen percent of the class has prior military service (Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard). Of this graduating class, 85 percent have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher. Fourteen of the recruits have prior law enforcement experience, 10 were school teachers, 10 were firefighters, and 9 recruits worked in the emergency medical services field.

This is the first New Jersey State Police recruit class since June 29, 2009, the last class being the 150th New Jersey State Police class where 103 troopers joined the division.

Finalizing his remarks to the class, Colonel Fuentes charged the new troopers with this command: “Treat the public you will now serve with integrity, fairness, compassion and respect. I will expect no less of you.”

“The choice to become a New Jersey State Trooper has been one of the most challenging endeavors these young men and women have ever attempted. From the first day at this academy, they have been tested, challenged, and evaluated both physically and mentally. Through perseverance and dedication, each of these individuals has emerged as members of a team,” said Captain David Torres, Commandant of the New Jersey State Police Academy.

The oldest recruit in the class, at 34 years old, is Michael Ma of Hackensack, N.J. Ma emigrated from China with his family at 12 years old and was recently an officer with the Hackensack Police Department. Allison Pavlosky, a former Chester Township Police Officer, is one of 11 female troopers joining the ranks. Pavlosky was a standout in the 151st class, earning both the Captain Baxter Marksmanship Award and the Commandant’s Award.

The 151st class completed 26 weeks of strenuous physical and academic training consisting of exhaustive classroom and practical training scenarios, including legal search procedures. The recruits participated in extensive training and role-playing exercises focused on domestic violence situations, human dignity and relations exercises, cultural diversity and sensitivity training, and the State Police initiative of community policing. In the area of cultural diversity and minority instruction, the trooper recruits received detailed instruction from experts outside of the State Police, including representatives from ethnic, cultural, community and professional organizations.

Each applicant applying to the State Police is required to have a minimum of 60 college credits plus two years of work experience or, alternatively, a bachelor’s degree.

The probationary troopers will be assigned to stations throughout the state and over the next 11 weeks, the new troopers will begin their careers under the watchful eye of their Trooper-Coaches and supervisors.

A list of graduates follows on the next page

The graduates of the 151st State Police recruit training class include: