U. S. Air Force Academy cadets graduate

U. S. Air Force Academy second lieutenants throw their caps in the air at the end of their commencement exercises in Colorado.

ALBANY ( AP) >> A class of almost 200 new state troopers has graduated in New York.

The ceremony Wednesday morning at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany featured graduates from a variety of backgrounds, including previous military and police service.

The graduation of the 192 troopers wrapped up the 199th session of the “Basic School” at the State Police Academy.

Budget problems had slowed adding troopers to the force, but the new class will fill slots opened by retirements and other reductions. They’ll report for field duty on June 3 and July 8, when they’ll undergo evaluation by senior officers for . 10 weeks.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico praised the graduates during a ceremony that opened with a march led by the agency’s pipe and drum band.