A group of Kansas Highway Patrol recruits will have their badges pinned on this week in Salina and officially became troopers.

According to the agency, on Thursday the 20 newest Kansas Highway Patrol troopers will take their oath of office and receive their badges during a graduation ceremony for KHP Recruit Class #55.

KHP Recruit Class #55 began their training at the Patrol’s Troop J, the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Academy in Salina in July. After graduation, the new troopers will take residence in their assigned counties, and will begin the field training with a veteran trooper in their assigned area.

The graduation this week will conclude the recruits’ 23 weeks of training.

The graduation comes at a unique time, as the agency currently has the application and hiring process underway for the next class of troopers, KHP Class #56, who will begin their careers with the Patrol in July of 2016.