RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Forty-four new troopers joined the Virginia State Police.

Commencement exercises for the 121st Trooper Basic Session were held 10 a.m. Friday at the Virginia State Police Gymnasium in Richmond.

According to the agency, the graduating troopers come from every corner of Virginia as well as five other states. Many have experience with other police agencies or the military.

The new troopers completed 26 weeks of academy training. They report for duty Monday and will begin a minimum of six weeks under the tutelage of a field training officer.

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