Brick Man Honored At N.J. State Police Graduation

MIDDLETOWN, NJ -- A Brick Township man was among those honored as the New Jersey State Police Academy graduated its 156th class Friday at Brookdale Community College.

Trooper Matthew Lilley of Brick was the winner of the “Outstanding Recruit Award” selected by the academy instructors, according to a news release from the state attorney general’s office.

Lilley was one of 134 troopers who graduated Friday after 24 weeks of physical and academic training that includes classroom lessons and practical training scenarios. The training is residential -- the recruits report to the academy before dawn on Monday morning and do not return home until dismissal on Friday evening, it said.

“One thing I’m particularly pleased to talk about here today is that the 156th Class, with an overall make-up of more than 33 percent minorities, is diverse,” acting Attorney General John Hoffman said. “Why does this matter? Because New Jersey is one of our nation’s most richly diverse states, and it encourages public confidence when citizens can look at their State Police force and see themselves.”

The recruits have strong backgrounds, with more than 70 percent have a bachelor’s degree or higher, 33 percent played college sports, 32 percent have prior law enforcement experience, and 40 percent have prior military experience (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard), including recipients of a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Also, among the class are five EMTs, five Eagle Scouts, six firefighters, and eight teachers, the release said.

The probationary troopers have been assigned to stations throughout the state.

“Law enforcement is more challenging than ever,” Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said. “Being a New Jersey State Trooper means leading by example. These men and women will be viewed as leaders and role models, and they will be held to a higher standard. “

Others honored at the ceremony included:

High Academic Award: Trooper Zachary Van Fossen, of Marlton. Throughout the academy training program he achieved an overall average of 94.9 percent.

High Marksmanship Award: Trooper Brian Klecka, of West Orange. During firearms training, he had 399 hits out of a possible 400 rounds.

High Physical Award: Trooper Tramane Miller, of Little Egg Harbor Twp. During the physical agility testing, he achieved a score of 98.

Military Service Award: Trooper Brian Klecka. This award is presented to the outstanding recruit who is currently serving or who has served in the U.S. military, and demonstrated active support and service to the class, and exemplifies the State Police’s service to the citizens of this state.

Lieutenant James Walsh Award: Trooper Todd Brown, of Southampton. This award is presented to the person who exhibited dedication, commitment, loyalty, and unselfishness during training.

Outstanding Recruit Award: Trooper Brian Klecka, of West Orange. This award is presented to the person selected by his or her peers.

(The 156th class of the New Jersey State Police Academy, via New Jersey State Police Facebook page.)