Minnesota State Patrol swears in 35 new troopers
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota State Patrol swore in 35 new state troopers on Friday.
The cadets took the oath after completing the State Patrol's 68th and 68th training academies. With hundreds of family and friends in attendance, they were welcomed by the new State Patrol Chief Christina Bogojevic, and other state leaders.
"You show up every day, putting your life on the line, to ensure that our communities are safe," said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
One of the chosen speakers was Catherine Barrie Medellin. While giving birth to twins, she found out she had cancer. Overcoming that, inspired her to become a state trooper.
"We promise to uphold and live every day with the core values of the State Patrol and always serve with compassion, humanity and empathy," said Barrie Medellin.
In addition to overcoming adversity, diversity is a big part of this graduating class with new graduates coming from a variety of backgrounds.
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That includes Yahya Abdi, the first Somali-American to become a Minnesota State Trooper. He was joined by members of the Somali-American Police Association.
"It means everything. It means the opportunity to give back to the community to serve this great state of Minnesota," said Abdi.
"It feels unreal, unreal after going through 14 weeks of training," said Moo Eh Moo.
Moo was born in a refugee camp in Thailand after his family escaped civil war in Burma. He came to Minnesota when he was 6, and he's now living out a dream.
"Protecting and serving the state, that's what I want to do," said Moo.
The number of graduates this year is consistent with the past four years, but it's about half of the number of graduates the State Patrol had before 2020.
