Maryland State Police 145th Trooper Candidate Class Graduation
Good afternoon.
Thank you very much Colonel Pallozzi, distinguished guests, family and friends, and, most importantly, the proud members of the 145th Trooper Candidate Class.
It is an incredible honor to be here today among so many of Maryland’s finest, and it is my sincere privilege to congratulate the 46 newest Troopers of the Maryland State Police.
This is the third academy class graduation that I have had the honor to participate in since taking office, and each time, this ceremony is just as special.
You can’t help but be impressed by the incredible tradition of this agency or more moved by the realization that the men and women on this stage today have fought through pain and uncertainty to earn their place among this elite group that we call “The Finest.”
The road that led today’s graduates to this point has been long.
Some of today’s class were MSP Cadets, others are military veterans, college graduates, and EMTs.
Together, you fought through 26 weeks of intense, relentless training, but these 46 men and women overcame every challenge.
Just like all those Troopers who paved the way before, you will never forget this day and the moment when you finally took the oath to serve and protect the people of Maryland.
But just as the road behind you was long and difficult, the road that lies ahead will certainly not be easy.
You are graduating at a particularly challenging time in our state and in our nation.
There will be those who will not support you, who may question your character.
There may be some who will choose to cast unfair judgment against you.
But as you prepare to take the oath today, I want all of you to know that, as governor, I will always support you, and I will always have your back.
I am extremely proud to stand with each and every one of you.
President Reagan once said: “Those who say that we’re in a time when there are no heroes, they just don’t know where to look.”
Well, I do know where to look.
Every single day, I am moved by the selflessness, the unwavering loyalty, and the dedication of Maryland’s law enforcement family.
The training that this class has received is based around three core values: integrity, fairness, and service.
Those values are what gives you the honor of being called a Maryland State Trooper.
Those values are what makes you a member of the finest state police organization in the nation.
Last year when Baltimore City was in flames and overwhelmed, our State Troopers were called on to back up the city police force.
The men and women of MSP never hesitated.
They responded immediately with no regard for their own personal safety.
MSP stepped up and answered the call, and they performed with integrity, fairness, and service.
Thanks to your efforts, we were able to restore peace, calm, and law and order to the city.
But every single day, we rely on our Troopers’ elite training and consistent preparation as they perform their difficult duties serving the citizens of our state.
And I want you all to know that I am fully committed to making sure that each of the 46 men and women graduating today leaves the academy not only equipped with a badge, a gun, and a stetson but also with the full support of your governor and our entire administration.
On my watch, I pledge to you that MSP will continue to have a strong supporter in the Governor’s Office who will be standing up and fighting for you each and every day.
In closing, on behalf of all the people of our state, I offer our most sincere congratulations to each and every one of the Troopers of Class 145.
We are all incredibly proud of you.
The past 26 weeks have molded you into an elite team of law enforcement officials who are capable of doing extraordinary things, and I have no doubt that the contributions of all of you will help make what is already a great MSP into an even more outstanding agency.
May God bless and protect the heroes of the MSP and all those in law enforcement and may God continue to bless the great State of Maryland.
Thank you.