Highway Patrol Graduation | Video

Jennifer Joas | 7/27/2012

All of the traffic in oil country needs a bigger law enforcement presence, and it`s on the way. Nine Highway Patrol officers graduated from the academy and are heading to Williston, Watford City, Beach and Minot.

The troopers went through a 20-week training course to prepare for what they might encounter on the job.

Some say they are a little apprehensive, but are looking forward to hitting the road.

"It`s not as bad as what some people want to say it is. It`s still a great place with a lot of great people and I think my family will blend in well there and my kids will have a good time," said graduate David Kolness.

The Highway Patrol plans to hire and train more troopers across the state.

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