[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today attended the graduation ceremony of the 65th class of the Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Academy to congratulate and welcome the cadets to the Minnesota State Patrol. Photos from the event are attached and linked here.

“I’m grateful for the work state troopers do every day to keep Minnesotans safe,” said Governor Tim Walz. “I wish the newest members of the Minnesota State Patrol the best of luck as they begin their careers. Thank you for your dedication and service to the state of Minnesota.”

“Today’s graduation is proof that the State Patrol continues to hire the best and brightest candidates to become State Troopers,” said Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol. “We are thankful for Minnesota’s support for the work we do each day to make the roads safer.”

The graduation ceremony was held for 35 new troopers following their successful completion of the Minnesota State Patrol’s 65th Training Academy. The graduating cadets have backgrounds in law enforcement, military, health care, real estate, sales, and finance.

Cadets began training at Camp Ripley on July 18. The 14-week course included motor vehicle crash investigation, traffic law, emergency vehicle operations, scenario-based de-escalation, communication and mental health crisis training, and defensive tactics. After graduation, cadets will attend additional training at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension before starting field training with another trooper on Nov. 2. Following successful completion of field training, they will begin their solo patrols on Jan. 25.