Last week, 52 new Virginia State Police troopers reported to their respective Division Headquarters to begin the final phase of their training.

The 127th Basic Session celebrated its graduation on Friday, May 11, at the State Police Academy in North Chesterfield County. Upon receiving their diplomas, the new troopers finished a rigorous 29-week training session. They received instruction in more than 100 different subjects spanning hundreds of hours. Academy training includes such areas as crime scene investigation, survival Spanish, judicial procedures, self- defense, cultural diversity and firearms.

On Monday, May 14, two troopers from the Salem Division began their new assignments with Virginia State Police and will spend the next six weeks with a field training officer learning their new patrol areas and day-to-day duties.

Trooper Zachary S. Blevins, 24, of Lexington, assumed his first duty post will cover Prince George County.

Trooper Brian A. Javins, 23, of Alleghany County, knew he wanted to be a state trooper from a young age. For his first assignment, he’ll patrol the roads of Botetourt County.

As the need for highly-skilled and capable law enforcement officers increase, the Department continues to seek qualified applicants for the positions of trooper and commercial vehicle enforcement officer. All interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Virginia State Police Recruitment Office. More information can be found by visiting the Department’s website www.vsp.virginia.gov.

-Submitted by Susan Rowland, Public Relations Coordinator