Fernando J. Gensollen of Galloway Township is among the 153rd New State Police Class Recruit Training Graduates.
Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman and Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, presented badges to New Jersey’s newest state troopers during graduation ceremonies at Elizabeth High School this morning.
Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman and Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, presented badges to New Jersey’s newest state troopers during graduation ceremonies at Elizabeth High School this morning.
The153rd State Police Class is the most racially diverse in the history of the
State Police, with 54 percent of the graduates coming from minority groups.
“The
153rd class represents a major step forward in our continuing effort to develop
and maintain a State Police force that reflects the diverse population it
serves. That is critical because the State Police is the most visible symbol of
law enforcement throughout New Jersey, and every individual Trooper who puts on
the uniform is recognized as a leader -- on the road, in his or her
neighborhood and in the community at large,” said Governor Chris Christie of
the new troopers.
"The
difference between mediocrity and excellence for any organization is not just
equipment or facilities - it is about people. And that is where you, the
graduates of the 153rd State Police class come in. As of today, the continued
success of the State Police mission is in your hands. You are the
organization's future, and your dedication and professionalism will determine
its success," said Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman.
“Now
that your academy training is complete you will be required to hit the ground
running as you embark on your career in this great organization,” said Colonel
Rick Fuentes. “The life of a New Jersey State Trooper can be demanding, but in
return you will be rewarded knowing that you are protecting and serving our
citizens. As you wear the blue and gold uniform, you will realize, just as
every trooper has before you, that being a trooper is more than a job, it is
now part of who you are.”
Seventy-four
percent of the 153rd Class has a Bachelor’s Degree or higher; 42 percent played
college sports; 16 percent have prior military service (Army, Navy, Marines,
Air Force, National Guard and Coast Guard); and several graduates have previous
law enforcement or emergency management experience.
“The
118 men and women of the 153rd Class entered on day one as individuals, and are
now leaving as a unified team. They successfully completed the transformation
from civilian to highly-skilled law enforcement professional, and are ready to
begin their careers as protectors of the citizens of New Jersey,” said Julian
Castellanos, Commandant of the New Jersey State Police Academy.
The
life of a New Jersey State Police recruit in the academy is not easy by any
means. Often recruits are required to be away from their families during
significant events at home. While this class was in the academy, seven recruits
endured the tragedy of family deaths, three recruits were married, and three
recruits celebrated the birth of a child. While they coped with these important
events, it was imperative that they maintained their focus and concentrated on
their training.
The
153rd Class completed 24 weeks of strenuous physical and academic training
consisting of exhaustive classroom and practical training scenarios. The
recruits participated in extensive training and role-playing exercises focused
on domestic violence situations, human dignity, and cultural diversity. In the
area of cultural diversity, the trooper recruits received detailed instruction
from experts outside of the State Police, including representatives from
ethnic, cultural, community, and professional organizations.
In
addition to honoring all graduates from the 153rd class, Colonel Fuentes presented
the following awards:
▪
The
winner of the “Academic Performance Award” is Trooper Thomas Tarsitano, of
Brick, N.J. Throughout the academy training program; he achieved an overall
academic average of 92.8 percent.
▪
The
winner of the “Firearms Proficiency Award” is Trooper Ramon Ortiz of Egg Harbor
Township, N.J. During firearms training, he fired an average score of 179 out
of a possible 180.
▪
The
winner of the “Physical Training Award” is Trooper Laejon Brooks of West
Orange, N.J. During the physical agility testing, he achieved a perfect 100
percent score, a tribute to his physical conditioning.
Each
applicant applying to the State Police is required to have a bachelor’s degree
or, alternatively, a minimum of 60 college credits, plus two years of work
experience. 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.
During
fiscal year 2014 the State Police has graduated two classes, the 152nd which
graduated on October 4th, 2013 and the 153rd which is received their badges
today. Two additional classes, the 154th is scheduled to start in March and the
155th is scheduled to start in May 2014. The 154th and 155th will graduate in
fiscal year 2015.
The
following is a breakdown of the 153rd class:
▪
White
Male 55
▪
White
Female 3
▪
Hispanic
Male 29
▪
Hispanic
Female 1
▪
African
American Male 19
▪
Asian
Male 5
▪
Asian
Female 1
▪
American
Indian Male 1
▪
Other
Male 4
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For
additional information visit our website at www.njsp.org.
Attached is a list of the graduating
troopers with their towns.
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