RAHWAY, NJ – Union County now has 54 more police officers after the 125th Class at the John H. Stamler Police Academy graduated this week. New Jersey State Police Lieutenant Colonel Fritz Fragé gave the keynote speech to the newly minted officers on Wednesday.
The officers passed a twenty-two-week curriculum that meets the strict requirements of the New Jersey Police Training Commission and utilizes the services of many experts in various areas of law enforcement.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Union County Performing Arts Center.
“The 125th Stamler Academy Class graduated 54 recruits from 13 police agencies,” the New Jersey State Police reported. “Lieutenant Colonel Fragé spoke to the graduates about the importance of choosing a career of service and impressed upon them the responsibility they have to protect and serve the residents of their communities impartially and with civility. He also talked about the importance of getting to know and understand the communities they will serve with an emphasis on creating sustainable partnerships with them.”
Lieutenant Colonel Fragé congratulated the new officers on a job well done but reminded them of the road ahead while continuing to perform their duties to the highest standard as they progress through their careers.
Fragé concluded his speech by reciting one of his favorite poems “IF” by Rudyard Kipling, which focuses on how to perceive the world and life’s challenges, learning from your experiences and overcoming barriers.
“If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise,” he recited.