A little less than a century ago, the State of New Jersey created a new organization: the Department of State Police. The New Jersey State Police Museum website states:
On December 5, 1921, following five months of rigorous training, 81 men began their assignments as New Jersey’s first State Troopers. Their commitment to protect and serve the citizens of New Jersey became the foundation for all future graduating classes of New Jersey State Troopers. Throughout the years, the founding principles of “Honor, Duty, & Fidelity,” have been loyally upheld.
As one of those first 81 Troopers to join and complete training for this respected organization, my grandfather saved this original 1921 General Orders booklet, along with many of his papers and records from that time. In his honor, and to share this bit of history I was privileged to inherit, I’ve published the digital images and the transcript of this booklet here.
My grandfather lived to be 94 years old, and though he retired from the NJSP as a captain in 1950, his pride in his career as a Trooper informed his later years, and he inspired me as my most beloved and respected role model.
