See The 158th Class Of New Jersey State Police (VIDEO)

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The newest class of New Jersey state troopers received their badges on Friday in a ceremony at the RWJ Barnabas Health Arena.

The 161-member class — 147 men and 14 women — included 13 who participated in Trooper Youth Week when they were younger. The group, which completed 24 weeks of physical and academic training, consisting of classroom lessons and practical training scenarios. The recruits also participated in role-playing exercises focused on motor vehicle stops, domestic violence situations, and human dignity, state police said in a post on Facebook. Cultural diversity was addressed with detailed instruction from community and cultural organizations.

Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal, and Col. Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police, presented badges to the new troopers. Of this graduating class, 77 percent have a bachelor's degree or higher, 18 percent served in the military, 15 percent have prior law enforcement experience and 28 of the new troopers are multi-lingual.

The class completed 24 weeks of strenuous physical and academic training consisting of classroom lessons and practical training scenarios. The recruits also participated in role-playing exercises focused on motor vehicle stops, domestic violence situations, and human dignity. In the area of cultural diversity, the class received detailed instruction from community and cultural organizations.

"The life of a recruit is challenging in many ways," state police said in the post. "The New Jersey State Police Training Academy is one of the few residential academies in the nation. Recruits report to the academy before dawn on Monday morning, and they do not return home until dismissal on Friday evening. Therefore, recruits are away from their families during significant life events."

"Today, the 161 graduates of the 158th New Jersey State Police Class are joining an elite group of law enforcement officers. In doing so, these men and women will continue a proud tradition of leadership and service in protecting and safeguarding the residents of this great state," Gov. Phil Murphy said. "I am confident this new generation of leaders will serve New Jersey with pride, dignity and honor."

"Congratulations to the New Jersey State Police Class graduates as they embark on a life in public service," Oliver said. "We are very fortunate to have recruited such a bright and talented group of officers and I am hopeful that in the line of duty they will always serve with respect, dignity and compassion."

"We are grateful for their decision to enter this difficult and rewarding career and I wish them the best in the line of duty," Oliver said.

The newly graduated troopers have been assigned to stations throughout the state, and over the next few months, they will begin their careers under the watchful eye of their Trooper-Coaches and supervisors.

“As Attorney General, I hear on a daily basis about the vital work that New Jersey State Troopers perform to keep the people of our state safe and secure,” Grewal said. "Whether they are patrolling our highways, arresting narcotics and gun traffickers, investigating violent crimes, apprehending child predators, or handling any number of other critical duties, the men and women of the State Police serve with courage and distinction. I congratulate the members of the 158th Class, and I wish them success and safety as they join the ranks and the proud tradition of the New Jersey State Police."

"The men and women of the 158th Class began their academy training as recruits and today embark on their careers as New Jersey State Troopers," Callahan said. "Now that their academy training is complete, they will be tasked with serving and protecting our citizens. I am confident that they will put to use what they have learned over the course of the last six months and are adequately prepared for the challenges they will encounter."

The following awards were presented:

The recipient of the "Father Grady Award" is Trooper Ledyard Smith IV, of Parsippany. It is presented to the recruit with the highest academic average.

The recipient of the "Captain Baxter Award" is Trooper Daniel Solomon, of Piscataway. It is presented to the recruit with the highest marksmanship average.

The recipient of the "H. Norman Schwarzkopf Award" is Trooper Jake D’Angelo, of Hamilton. It is presented to the recruit with the highest physical average.

The recipient of the "Dennis William Zilinski Award" is Trooper Michael Minardi, of Mullica Hill. It is presented to the outstanding recruit who is currently serving or who has served in the U.S. military, demonstrated active support and service to the class, and exemplifies the State Police's service to the citizens of this state.

The recipient of the "Commandant’s Award" is Trooper Michael Giaquinto, of Hackettstown. It is presented to the outstanding recruit selected by the academy instructors.

The recipient of the "Lieutenant James Walsh Award" is Trooper Jazmin Palma, of North Bergen. It is presented to the person who exhibited dedication, commitment, loyalty, and unselfishness during training.

The recipient of the "Superintendent’s Award" is Trooper Joelle Butrico, of Seaside Park. It is presented to the outstanding recruit selected by his or her peers.

Take a look at part of the graduation ceremonies below/

Photo from New Jersey State Police video