LANSING — Pledging to provide ‘Service With a Purpose,’ 127 new Michigan State Police troopers will soon report for work at MSP posts across the state next week after graduating from the 133rd Trooper Recruit School Thursday afternoon.

Among those joining the Niles post, located at 1600 Silverbrook Ave., are Aaron Adams, of Dowagiac; Brock Belanger, of Bridgman; FraShaun Darrough, of Flint; John Haas, of Grosse Pointe Woods; and Samuel Whittaker, of Niles.

Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP, administered the oath of office during Thursday’s ceremony at the Lansing Center.

“These men and women have chosen a very rewarding career,” said graduation keynote speaker Gov. Rick Snyder. “We wish our newest troopers safety each day. Thank you for dedicating your life to serving and protecting the residents of our great state.

“I know you chose this career to help people and to keep communities safe,” Etue said in her address to the graduates. “Strive every day to make a positive impact in the lives of the citizens we serve.”

Trooper Brendan Stanford was elected class orator by his fellow recruits and spoke on behalf of the graduating class at Thursday’s ceremony.

Other award recipients included Trooper Andrew Bilbrey, who received the academic achievement award; Trooper Shane Hauff, who received the team building award; and Trooper Shaun Garvey, who received both the marksmanship award and outstanding performance award.

The 133rd Trooper Recruit School began on June 4, 2017, when 160 prospective troopers reported to the MSP Training Academy in Lansing. For the past 26 weeks, recruits received training in firearms, water safety, defensive tactics, patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing and precision driving.

In order to be selected to attend the academy, all applicants had to pass a stringent selection process that included a physical fitness test, background investigation and hiring interview.

As part of the department’s commitment to community outreach and service, the recruits volunteered at Mt. Hope Elementary School, delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, worked in soup kitchens in Ingham County, sorted clothes at Upscale Resale Store in Lansing and exercised with students at Maple Valley High School in Vermontville.

The MSP is actively recruiting for a trooper recruit school anticipated to begin in January; interested candidates should visit michigan.gov/mspjobs for more information on how to apply.

Including these new troopers, there are 1,244 troopers assigned statewide.