The New Jersey State Police is honoring the department’s first all-female class, which graduated nearly 36 years ago. 

The New Jersey State Police’s 96th class was made up of 30 women who graduated June 27, 1980. A new exhibit was unveiled Thursday at Division Headquarters in West Trenton. It was dedicated to this class.

State police leaders say that this was the first all-female state police class in the country. Lt. Col. Steve Shallop says these women helped pave the way for equality in the policing field.

"The lessons learned and the things that I have taken with me as a leader today and as a commander of this outfit is directly attributed to many of the troopers of the 96th State Police class,” Shallop said. “I am honored to be able to speak on the behalf of this dedication."

The exhibit is open to the public five days a week, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. It is a part of the State Police Museum and Learning Center.