Jefferson P. Cullison of Gloucester, was one of 31 new state troopers who participated in the graduation of the 139th generation of Virginia State Troopers.

The Sept. 15 commencement exercises were held at the State Police Training Academy in Chesterfield County.

“We are extremely proud of these graduates as they begin their career of public safety service with the Virginia State Police,” said VSP Superintendent Col. Gary T. Settle. “For 91 years, the Virginia State Police has dedicated itself to serving and protecting all those living, working and traveling through the Commonwealth of Virginia. We welcome these new state troopers and are confident in their ability to fulfill the high standards set forth by our mission and values.”

The new troopers have received more than 1,300 hours of classroom and field instruction in more than 100 different subjects, including de-escalation techniques, strategies to assist people in mental health crisis, ethics and leadership, fair and impartial policing, constitutional law, emergency medical trauma care, and public and community relations. The members of the 139th Basic Session began their 28 weeks of academic, physical and practical training at the Academy on Feb. 27.

Cullison’s first assignment is in the Hampton/Newport News area. He and the other graduates reported to their individual duty assignment this week. For their final phase of training, each trooper will spend an additional six weeks paired with a Field Training Officer learning their new patrol area.