By maria caporizzo
Providence Journal video by Frieda Squires
FOSTER, R.I. -- Monday was the start of the Class of 2013 Rhode Island State Police Academy.
Among 1,666 applicants, 40 recruits were picked for the 22-week course. In this class, there are 35 men, 5 women, 9 with prior military experience and 4 law enforcement officers. Seventy-five percent have college degrees and 33 are from Rhode Island.
They will be tested both mentally and physically to become Rhode Island state troopers.
Col. Steven G. O'Donnell, superintendent and commissioner of the Rhode Island State Police, Department of Public Safety, addresses the applicants.