Suffolk native Nathan Winslow, 22, recently reported to Brunswick County following his graduation from the state police academy in North Chesterfield County.

The 127th Basic Session graduated May 11 from the academy, and 52 new Virginia State Police troopers reported to their respective division headquarters.

Winslow was happy to be done with training and apply his knowledge to real-life scenarios.

“I’m excited to assist the county I work in and any other state agencies,” said Winslow. “I can’t wait to help out wherever I’m needed.”

Going to basic training was Winslow’s first experience living away from his Suffolk home, and he spent 29 weeks in North Chesterfield County before being assigned to Brunswick County. The move was a change, but Winslow is ready to experience life outside of Suffolk.

“It’s exciting and really nice to get away and see something new,” Winslow said. “I’ll miss Suffolk, and I never thought I would say that. Eventually, I’ll try and get back in the area.”

When the time comes to be closer to Suffolk, Winslow hopes to be assigned to Isle of Wight County or Southampton County.

Being a state trooper has been a dream of his since he was attending King’s Fork High School. That dream is partially due to having a lot of interaction with law enforcement.

“I knew a lot of people in law enforcement from my family,” Winslow said. “I’ve always known that I wanted to be in law enforcement, specifically the state police because they are the best organization.”

Part of the allure of the state police was the professionalism that Winslow saw from them.

“It’s just the way they operate, and they have a high level of professionalism,” Winslow said. “They are the best organization in the state, and no one else really touches them.”

Winslow believes whenever you see a state trooper, they are always polite and their uniforms always look sharp.

Being a part of law enforcement can be dangerous, and Winslow’s parents acknowledged the danger he was putting himself in.

“They think it’s a good career for me, but obviously they worry,” Winslow said. “For me, I think you have to ask yourself, ‘Is the risk worth the reward?’ If you get to go out and help somebody, even if you have to put your life in danger, it is worth it.”

Winslow is ready to take on the remainder of his training at his division headquarters before embarking on the rest of his career with the Virginia State Police.

“I’m looking forward to serving the commonwealth to the best of my ability.”