Five St. Lawrence County residents have graduated from the New York State Police Academy.

Ryan J. Carrow, Potsdam, Brendan G. Bollis, Canton, Joshua W. Prashaw, Norfolk, Jennifer Terpstra, Gouverneur, and Kale C. Hitchman, Madrid

Andrew M. Cuomo today congratulated 226 new members of the New York State Police on their graduation from the 204th session of the New York State Police Academy's Basic School.

"After 26 weeks of hard work and perseverance, these troopers will join the honorable tradition of serving and protecting the people of New York," Cuomo said. "I commend these men and women for their pledge to keep New Yorkers safe and congratulate them as they start their careers in the New York State Police."

The graduation ceremony was held at the Empire State Plaza Convention Hall in Albany where the new troopers marched into the convention center in a procession led by the New York State Police Pipe and Drum band.

The National Anthem was performed by Trooper Elizabeth Fallon and the ceremony included a video presentation of the training received by all members of the 204th Basic School Session.

"Six months ago these outstanding men and women answered the call to serve, and after the rigors of training they are ready to join one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the world," said Lieutenant Governor Hochul. "This class chose the motto ‘Protecting New York to the core, we are the 204’, and nothing could speak more to their courage and sense of dedication. I’m honored to take part in today’s commencement, and wish all the graduates the very best as they enter an exciting and noble profession."

"After months of training, the 204th Basic School join the ranks of one of the finest police agencies in the world," said New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II.

"For nearly 100 years the State Police have served and protected the citizens of New York. I congratulate all of our new Troopers and thank them for their continued dedication to the State Police and the people of New York."