Thirty-two new Highway Patrol Troopers received their badges this morning during a ceremony at the LBJ Library Auditorium in Austin. The newly commissioned troopers will hit Texas roadways later this month.

"I congratulate the men and women of the 2011 Texas Department of Public Safety recruitment class. This group of highly-educated and professionally-prepared individuals has endured special training which will prepare them to serve one of the finest state law enforcement agencies in our nation. Texas will be safer because of their training, and I thank them for choosing such a challenging career," stated Sen. Tommy Williams, Chairman of the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee.

The troopers began the 18-week training academy in March. Instruction covered more than 100 subjects, including counter-terrorism, traffic and criminal law, arrest and control procedures, accident reconstruction, first aid and Spanish. They also received extensive use of force, communication skills, firearms, driving, criminal interdiction, cultural diversity and physical fitness training. Once at their new duty stations, the troopers will spend their first six months in on-the-job training with a senior trooper.

Steven C. McCraw, Director of the DPS, told the graduates that he expects them to protect and serve Texas with integrity, courage and the utmost professionalism in keeping with the proud tradition of the Texas Highway Patrol. ??“You are joining a highly elite organization and when you report to your duty station next week you will be on the front line of combating crime and terrorism."

Anyone interested in becoming a state trooper can call the toll-free line, 1-866-TXTROOP (898-7667), or visit the DPS Web site, www.joindps.com, for more information.