Louisiana State Police welcomes 46 new Troopers to the force
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — On Friday, the Louisiana State Police proudly welcomed 46 new troopers during an emotional graduation ceremony in Baton Rouge, marking the culmination of months of intense training and personal sacrifice.
For Cadet Class 106, the journey to the badge was 24 weeks, filled with physical and mental challenges, long days, and a deep commitment to public service.
'Today's date marks the first time in over five years the Louisiana State Police proudly employs and serves over a thousand Troopers throughout Louisiana,' said Colonel Robert P. Hodges, Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, addressing the audience.
Among the graduates was Class President Trooper Stephen Wright, who shared his personal story of perseverance.
'I originally applied for Cadet Class 105 and didn't make it—I think it was a timeline thing,' Wright said. 'But coming into 106, I think it was destiny.'
Family and friends filled the auditorium with cheers and pride as the new Troopers marched across the stage, each receiving their golden boots—a symbol of the hard-earned title they now carry.
For some, the moment carried deep generational meaning. John Sindt, a retired officer who served 54 years in Utah, watched his grandson graduate with pride.
'To watch him follow those steps—I was so proud and so lucky to be here,' Sindt said.
That sense of tradition and family ran deep among the graduates. The Gremillion brothers spoke about the example set by their family.
'They've done so much for this state, and they're great Troopers,' said Trooper Paul Gremillion. 'I just want to be like them.'
Hodges acknowledged the broader significance of this moment for the agency and the state, highlighting a renewed interest in public safety careers.
'In the last five years, many folks didn't want to be in public safety—and certainly not in law enforcement,' Hodges said. 'But now you see it's on the rise, and people are coming back to the ranks of law enforcement.'
With badges on their chests and their training behind them, Cadet Class 106 will now begin field assignments across Louisiana—ready to serve, protect, and uphold the values of loyalty, duty, and honor.
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