After 26 weeks of classwork and training, 168 new troopers have graduated from the New York State Police Academy and will report for duty around the state beginning July 24.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo congratulated the troopers who were at the 201st graduation ceremony on Thursday.

State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico presented the academic performance award to 29-year-old Eric Courcelle of Albany. The winner of the physical training award was 32-year-old Patrick Rodgers of Lockport, and the firearms proficiency award was presented to 20-year-old Joshua Hunter of Ogdensburg.

Trooper Cody Henderson of Sherrill was chosen by his peers as class representative.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Empire State Plaza Convention Hall in Albany.

The new troopers will have 10 weeks of field training at their assigned barracks.

(AP)