Let me repeat that Maryland is proud to have this Coast Guard in-
stallation here. And may I say once more that I am honored to be pre-
sent at this commissioning ceremony.
ADDRESS, MARYLAND STATE POLICE GRADUATION
PIKESVILLE
December 12, 1963
Col, Jarman, Mr. Backhaus, Reverend Mr. Lundberg, distinguished
guests and ladies and gentlemen:
These ceremonies today have provided me, as Governor of the State of
Maryland, with a most unique opportunity. Not only have I been
accorded the delightful privilege of addressing the 70 graduates of this
51st recruit class here at the State Police Academy, but I also have
the opportunity of participating in exercises dedicating a new gymna-
sium and training pool. The more I think about this, the more con-
vinced I become that it was wise idea, indeed, to combine both
exercises. We have here a classic illustration of how the State can com-
bine its physical and human resources for the protection and well-being
of all its citizens. By providing you with the best instruction available
in the field of law enforcement and then furnishing you with the facilities
necessary to train for your chosen profession all the citizens of Maryland
benefit. It cost the State of Maryland more than $310, 000 to build the
new gymnasium and training pool. But if their construction will make
your job of saving lives, apprehending criminals and patrolling our high-
ways easier, then it was, indeed, a wise investment.
Apart from the physical facilities which we here are dedicating today,
however, let me be the first to point out to you that the State of Maryland
has a much greater investment to consider. That investment, of course,
is you. You gentlemen are embarking on what I am confident will be long
and successful careers in law enforcement. When you receive your
diplomas today, each of you will be joining an experienced law enforce-
ment department that has gained nationwide recognition for excellence
and proficiency. You will be joining a law enforcement department
that performs a great deal more than highway patrol. Some of your
colleagues will be expert scuba divers, others will be proficient in
aviation, still others will be polygraph operators or members of the K-9
corps. You will encounter experts in the various fields of law enforce-
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