Living up to a family tradition can be equally rewarding for a community, especially when that tradition is joining the New York State Police.

In September, 23-year-old Christopher Balon of Falconer became one of nearly 200 recruits to graduate from the New York State Police Academy’s Basic School in Albany – a rite of passage that puts him in familiar company back home.

His father, Captain Eric J. Balon, is the Troop A Zone III commander at the State Police barracks in Jamestown. His grandfather retired as the commander of the State Police station in Fredonia, and his brother is an officer with the Toledo Police Department in Ohio.

“Coming from a family with a large law enforcement background, I’ve always looked up to police officers,” Christopher Balon said. “Being a Trooper has been a large goal of mine and I can’t wait to see what the next step in my life has in store.”

Balon was joined at the graduation by 23-year-old Travis Nagle of Randolph who also followed in his father’s footsteps.

“I always wanted to do the job because I had a great role model growing up,” said Nagle, referring to his father, Timothy Nagle, who was the former commander of the State Police station in Jamestown. “I wanted a job where I felt like I could help people.”

Indeed, Nagle referred to his time at the Academy as a “trying experience,” one that pushed him both mentally and physically.

The intensive, 26-week program includes a wide variety of training exercises, including hand-to-hand combat, use of firearms, driver’s training and extensive instruction on the application of the law.

Other local graduates included Ryan Braeger of Falconer, Bryce Mason of Jamestown and Christoper Conti II of Fredonia.

Braeger, 28, said he was proud to serve the people of New York state in what he called “the most respected and professional” of organizations.

“Completing the Academy was one of the hardest and most gratifying experiences of my life,” he said. “In the end, it was worth every minute. I know this is exactly where I’m supposed to be and that the hard work has paid off.”

Conti, 25, was awarded the Superintendent’s Firearms Proficiency Award for scoring the highest level of performance in all phases of firearms training. He also performed the National Anthem at the graduation ceremony.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo congratulated all 199 new members of the State Police last month.

“These new Troopers have answered the call and selflessly dedicated themselves to protecting and serving the people of the State of New York,” he said. “I commend these men and women for their hard work over the last 26 weeks and for continuing the long tradition of excellence as members of the New York State Police.”

The graduation ceremony was held at the Empire State Plaza Convention Hall in Albany where the graduates marched into the convention center in a procession led by the New York State Police Pipe and Drum band.

Following graduation, new members reported to their assigned duty stations to complete a 10-week field-training program under the supervision of senior officers.

Balon and Mason were assigned to Troop D Oneida, while Nagle, Braeger and Conti were assigned to Troop C Sidney.