By Suzie Ziegler
AUSTIN, Texas — The biggest recruit class ever for the Texas Highway Patrol graduated on Friday, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The class of 145 new troopers is also one of the most diverse in DPS history, officials said on Facebook. The recruits range in age from 21 to 50 and include 21 women – the most in one recruit class.
“Class A-2021 is reflective of DPS and the many backgrounds of those within our department,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “I’m pleased to have such a large recruit class to further bolster the Troopers already serving our state. These men and women underwent a rigorous process to become Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and I welcome them to DPS.”
[READ: 5 takeaways for police recruiters from the ‘Who wants to be a cop?’ series]
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony.
“On behalf of the Lone Star State, we are so grateful for your sacrifice and commitment to serving your communities. You will face challenges along the way, but never forget that what you do matters,” Abbott said. “It matters to the over 29 million Texans who depend on you every single day to keep our communities safe. And I have no doubt that after today, our state will be made safer by the brave men and women in this room.”