KSP Graduates 34 New Troopers

From Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeighThirty-four new state troopers are now patrolling the commonwealth's highways, after graduating from the Kentucky State Police Academy in Frankfort.Among the new troopers is former Lexington Herald-Leader crime reporter Cassandra Mullins, the only female to survive the grueling 23-week training course. The Hazard native believes women bring a unique perspective to the job.“I’m compassionate for people and I would say that’s probably true for most women," says Mullins. "But this is a hard job and no doubt about it, it’s a man’s world. So, you’ve got walk a little straighter, talk a little tougher, dig your heels in and work hard.”Last year, Brad Riley of Lexington, had to leave the academy when his five-year old son died of cancer. He returned this year to become class valedictorian.The graduating class of 34 gives KSP 928 troopers, which is still well below the authorized force strength of 1,070.