Veterans Voices: From one uniform to another

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — From one uniform to another.

The courage and bravery on display from all of our heroes never leaves them, even once they return home and transition to civilian life.

For many, they keep answering the call but in a different uniform.

Trooper Nicholas Bloomer has been with state police for 12 years now and works out of the headquarters in Farmington. Before that, he served our country and spent almost nine years active-duty with the marines.

He was deployed to Afghanistan.

"I was a helicopter crew chief for the latter part of my time with the marines," Bloomer said. "We did a lot of support missions, supporting troops on the ground, casualty evacuation– really supporting those guys on the front lines."

Bloomer and fellow veterans make up about 21 percent of today's sworn state police force. Ask any of them why they continue to serve and protect, just in a different capacity, and they'll give you this reason.

"When you're in uniform– serve your country– that's not just about the branch of service you're in," Bloomer explained. "It's the commraderie with the people you're serving with and I think a lot of people with the transition from military service they miss that sense of belonging, the sense of a higher purpose."

For Rochester police, about one out of every six in uniform is a veteran.

That includes Commander Sammie Drayton Jr.

"When I was in the military everything was team," Drayton added. "It's not about you, it's about the other person so coming into law enforcement that was the perfect match."

Drayton followed his father who's now retired and worked his way up at RPD to the role of Deputy Chief.

He's 27 years in when it comes to police work.

Both the commander and trooper say from the military to law enforcement, it's the journey of a lifetime.

"I got a sense of pride, sense of responsibility, accountability and taking care of others other than myself," Drayton said.

"If I could do it all again I would do the same thing," Bloomer responded.

On that note, the state police entrance exam is going on now through August. For military applicants covering those on active duty, reserve, or retired there are many benefits.

NYSP offers extended age limits, preference credits and deferment.