ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Several local residents have joined the State Police ranks.

On May 28, 175 people graduated from the 218th session of the New York State Police Academy Basic School, including five from Tompkins and Cortland County.

They include Noah Goddard, of Homer, Jenica Jenney, of Marathon, Zachary Kenyon, of Marathon, Aiden Poli, of Cortland, and Lauren Gulini, of Dryden.

“These men and women have worked and trained extremely hard for weeks and have dedicated themselves to protecting the people of New York State,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “I commend these new troopers for their commitment to public service and making our state a safer place for those who live, work, and travel through New York. I wish them luck as they start their careers and continue the fine tradition of the New York State Police.”

All five were assigned to Troop C, which encompasses Tompkins, Cortland, Tioga, Broome, Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego Counties.

“Today’s graduation is the culmination of six months of difficult classwork, physical training, and sacrifice, and we now welcome our newest members to one of the most prestigious and well-respected law enforcement agencies in the nation,” said NYSP Superintendent Steven James. “I am confident they are equipped to carry out our mission to serve our communities with the same professionalism and pride the State Police have exhibited for the past 109 years.”

Beginning May 30, the new troopers will start to report for duty, where they’ll be supervised and evaluated for 10 weeks in a field-training program.

Click here for a full list of graduates.