RALEIGH — A new group of recruits is ready to protect and serve. Friday was graduation day for the North Carolina Highway Patrol. The patrol is actively trying to increase the number of women in its ranks.

Of the nearly 1,400 troopers currently patroling the state, just over one percent are women. Friday's graduating class raised the number of women troopers by three.

After 27 weeks of basic training, 48 cadets have become the newest members of the N.C. Highway Patrol. They are officially charged with making the state a safer place.

Three women trained alongside the men in this 98th basic school. The NCHP has committed to increase the number of women in its ranks. New Troopers Wendy Faust-Moore, Mary Reynolds and Donna Carter received their diplomas Friday bringing the number of women on the patrol to 19.

Carter says their pride can't be measured.

All the new troopers realize their jobs are dangerous, regardless of gender. They all swore to be alert and vigilant.

Trooper Carter told WRAL that she doesn't see herself as afemaletrooper, but as one the newest members of a prestigious law enforcement agency.

She says glad she, Faust-Moore and Reynolds made the team.