The State of Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) graduated 32 State Troopers on Thursday during a ceremony held in the auditorium of the Alabama Criminal Justice Training Center (ACJTC).

Corp. Keith Wilson commended the new graduates on their hard work over the past 10 weeks of difficult training required of the young men and women to become Alabama State Troopers.

“The Class of 2019-A was composed of people from all walks of life. These individuals chose to join the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency not only to continue a long tradition as a State Trooper, but to begin a new chapter as well,” said Wilson. “Only a small percentage of the original applicants were strong enough, mentally and physically to complete the training here at the ACJTC.”

Following Wilson’s opening remarks, Captain Brent McElvaine recognized all of the special guests and academy staff in the audience and thanked them for their hard work in assisting with the success of the new class of troopers.

After McElvaine left the podium, Class of 2019 – A President Derrick Hodge’s delivered a speech to his fellow graduates, instructors and the audience in attendance.

“10 weeks ago, we all stood in that parking lot that you all parked in today,” said Hodges. “We never thought we’d see this day come. We learned that every obstacle we faced was a teaching moment.”

Hodge’s described the tough 10 weeks of training the graduates underwent, and thanked all of the instructors who helped them succeed.

After Hodges’ remarks, Wilson once again took to the podium to introduce the ceremony’s guest speaker, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall.

“What I hope today reflects is what Mark Twain talked about many years ago,” said Marshall. “We he said, ‘The two most important days in your life are the day you’re born and the day you figure out why.’ What I What I hope is that this graduation becomes that ‘why’ for you. Not only were you called to serve in law enforcement, you were called to this agency. We need you. The people of Alabama need you.”