It was a big day yesterday for 226 men and women that have decided to take the oath to protect and serve.

According to the Times Herald Record, the New York State Police have now officially added 226 troopers to the ranks.

The new troopers successfully completed a long journey to graduation that included a 26 week training course that is given at the state Police Academy in Albany.

The graduation ceremony took place yesterday at the Empire State Plaza in Albany and recognized some troopers who excelled in firearm proficiency, physical fitness and academic achievement, among other awards.

The brand new NYS Troopers will start working in various parts of New York State on Thursday October 20th. They will work for about 10 weeks under the supervision of field training officers and will then be allowed to be on their own.

Congratulations to all the men and woman that will now be protecting us!

More From WZAD-WCZX The Wolf