Those of you who are receiving your diplomas today have demon-
strated to your instructors that you have the courage, the will, the
intelligence and the high character that is required of a State trooper.
What you have learned here at this academy will be invaluable to you as
you pursue your new careers. I would hope, however, that you do not
abandon your willingness to learn as you leave this Academy today.
Eventually, some of you will return here to instruct a new group of
recruits. Others of you will be called upon to teach local law enforcement
officials new techniques. We are depending upon you not only to enforce
the laws of Maryland as they exist today but in assisting in the training of
other law enforcement recruits who will seek to follow in your footsteps.
I am confident that you will set a good example. Do for them what your
predecessors have done for you.

You gentlemen assembled here today have been drawn from Baltimore
City and 17 of the 25 counties of Maryland but, in a very true sense, you
represent the State. The badge and the uniform you will wear are the
symbols of the dignity and the solemnity of the law. Guard them well—
for in taking your oath of office you have assumed a public trust to pro-
tect and preserve the good name, reputation and integrity of the Mary-
land State Police and, indeed, of the State itself.

In closing, let me take this opportunity to congratulate all of you for
completing your training here at the Academy. You have the confidence
of the finest law enforcement experts in the country and you have my
warm wishes for success and happiness in your chosen profession.

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