Governor Hochul Celebrates Graduation of 238 Elite New York State Troopers

ALBANY, NY (October 24, 2025) — Gov. Kathy Hochul joined New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James on Friday to honor 238 new troopers graduating from the 217th session of the State Police Basic School at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.

The ceremony marks the addition of the new members to the State Police ranks, bringing the total to approximately 5,110 sworn officers.

Hochul praised the graduates’ dedication during her remarks, noting the rigorous selection process.

“Over 4,000 individuals — 4,000 New Yorkers took the trooper test. 1,324 were processed, hoping that perhaps they’d be one of the ones sitting here today, and yet only 238 men and women made it to this place,” she said. “By that alone, the word elite is not thrown around lightly. It is the reality. That’s less than six percent of those who wanted to be sitting in your seats.”

The governor emphasized the weight of their new responsibilities. “Focus on the weight of responsibility that’s now on your shoulders to always ensure that this privilege throughout the rest of your career is something that you never take for granted,” Hochul told the class. “Never take for granted the extraordinary privilege of public service, it makes us all better human beings know that we’re there in a position by choice and hard work. We’re serving other human beings, especially those in their time of need. Carry that with you.”

She highlighted the emotional and physical toll of the training and service. “Law enforcement is often called there when things are not going well, and it takes a special kind of human being willing to be there for the depths of tragedy, pain, fear, stress — there’s a lot of emotions that are out there among the people that you’re going to encounter over your long career,” Hochul said.

Hochul also commended the graduates’ families for instilling values of patriotism and service. “To your families, who had to say goodbye often on Sunday nights… there’s that natural sadness of separation,” she said. Addressing parents directly, she added, “You should be just beaming with pride that your kids, your family members, your loved ones are sitting out here today. This is so extraordinary.”

The governor recognized key figures at the event, including class representative Trooper Richard A. Lagano, Officer in Charge Lt. Phillip Hurst, Rabbi Michael Melnicke and Pastor David Traynham for their invocation, and Trooper Madison D. Sciera, who performed the National Anthem.

Hochul lauded Superintendent James’ leadership, calling his return from retirement “one of the smartest moves I ever made.” She committed to ongoing support for the force, which has served since 1917.

In the current era, the troopers face challenges including “fighting drug traffickers, human traffickers, gun runners coming across our borders, whether it’s from Canada or up from Pennsylvania,” Hochul said. “That means that if we can get guns off the streets or drugs off the street where you find them, they’re never going to get to one of our cities and perhaps result in the death of someone else. So, I’ll be there. I’m going to continue to be there. And know that your communities are counting on you. Whether you came from small towns or a big city.”

She urged the new officers to seek support when needed. “If you ever need the emotional help you need to get through something, look to each other. Look to this family, because we’re with you for the rest of your career,” Hochul said. “That is a commitment we make to you because you commit to us.”

The graduates hail from communities across the state, including one from Hochul’s hometown of Hamburg. “I look at this because I’m so in awe of people from every corner of our State, every nook and cranny of our State,” she said.

Hochul closed by expressing her pride in the class. “This is one of my favorite days of the year, when I can come out and see this next generation of leaders, people I know are making the 20 million people who call New York State home so much safer because you are willing to be a person of character and integrity and compassion.”

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.