NNY residents graduate as troopers

Two men from Jefferson and Lewis counties are leaders in the 197th New York State Police class that graduated Tuesday in Albany.

Trooper Scott J. Freeman, Lowville, who in 2001 graduated cum laude from SUNY Oswego, was elected by his 88-member class to be its speaker at ceremonies at the State Police Academy. Trooper Ernest C. Minichello, Adams, is the winner of a physical fitness award after attaining the highest degree of proficiency in the physical training program.

New troopers from Central and Northern New York will be assigned to field training officers in Troop B, Ray Brook, for patrol training before being given their station assignments. The following are among the new troopers:

■ Reinaldo Alvarez, Watertown.

■ Kim M. Briggs, Potsdam.

■ Benjamin J. Carlin, West Chazy.

■ Joshua D. Leonard, Chateaugay.

■ Scot A. MacKinnon, Gouverneur.

■ Christopher M. Roberts, Dannemora.

■ Jason D. West, Castorland.