RALEIGH – The State Highway Patrol proudly welcomed 31 new troopers at a graduation ceremony for the 145thBasic Highway Patrol School.  The ceremony ended 29 weeks of demanding training preparing them for a rewarding career of service to the state of North Carolina.

The ceremony was held at the Colonial Baptist Church in Cary at 10 a.m.  The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Mark D. Martin, Supreme Court of North Carolina.  Colonel G. M. McNeill Jr., the 27^th Commander of the State Highway Patrol provided remarks to those in attendance.

“You have been called to be a part of something bigger than one’s self, an organization that is striving to reduce collisions and keeps the highways of North Carolina as safe as possible,” said Colonel Glenn M. McNeill Jr.  “Some people have a calling and never act on it.  You were brave enough to take that important next step; you acted and answered that important call.”

The cadets will report to their respective duty stations on Wednesday, October 3rd to begin a demanding field-training program.