On December 16, 2005, 174 trainees graduated from the Massachusetts State Police Academy as Troopers. Trainees from the 78 th Recruit Training Troop endured twenty-five weeks of academic and physical training in a controlled, paramilitary environment. The training received has prepared the recruits to meet the high standard necessary to become a member of the Massachusetts State Police.

The following is a sample of some of the many courses that recruits have studied during their twenty-five weeks of training: Affirmative Action, Cultural Diversity, Bias & Hate Crimes, Ethics, Computer Forensics, Media Relations, Infectious Diseases, Civil Liability, Critical Incident Containment, Critical Incident Stress Management, Domestic Abuse & Violence Training, Bomb Threat Response, Command & Leadership, Defensive Tactics, Crisis Intervention & Conflict Resolution. It is the mission of the Massachusetts State Police to continue to provide highly trained Troopers to engage in crime prevention and reduction measures.

Along with the exhaustive physical and academic training they received, the members of the 78 th R.T.T. underwent a great deal during their 25 weeks at the Academy: there were sixth births to members of the class; and three trainees got engaged to be married and four others got married.

Many of the graduates had a history of public service even before joining the State Police: 84 trainees are former police officers; 68 trainees have served in the military - with 15 of those having served in the Iraq/Kuwait area, and 3 having served in Afghanistan. Twenty-two trainees have military combat experience. One of the trainees, a soldier who had been injured while serving with the United States Army in the Iraqi theatre of operation, is a recipient of the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Three of the trainees belong to the 25 th Marine Regiment and have received orders to report, within hours of their graduation from the Massachusetts State Police Academy, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"The 174 new troopers graduating today have distinguished themselves through their talent, determination and dedication to public safety," said Governor Mitt Romney. "I am very grateful to them for their service to the Commonwealth, and my administration will continue to support the vital work they do to keep the people of Massachusetts safe."

Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, Colonel Thomas Robbins stated, "We are extremely proud of these Troopers. They have worked very hard and have demonstrates

a high-level of discipline and motivation over the past 25 weeks. They all have a bright and promising future ahead of them. The addition of these troopers not only bolsters our patrol force it will also allow us to devote essential personnel to the law enforcement and homeland security efforts that are unique to the State Police."

The 174 graduating Troopers are prepared to join the members of the Massachusetts State Police who are dedicated to keeping the citizens of the Commonwealth safe.

78th R.T.T. Academy Graduation Photos