FLORENCE, Texas (Nexstar) -- After 30 weeks at the Texas Training Academy, the Department of Public Safety’s 130 new trooper trainees will graduate on Dec. 13. “It's still unbelievable at this moment,” trooper trainee Derek McCloud said. “I'm still in shock and awe, because DPS is a great agency, and it's something I've always wanted to be as a kid. To finally be here at this step is something that not only I'm happy for myself and my classmates, but for the agency getting us out there to do more work and help the state of Texas.” McCloud is heading to Katy after graduation where his army service and his young family will be his motivation. “There's never a moment that we're not moving fast, marching calling cadence, showing the pride of DPS everywhere we go,” he said. For their final week, the trainees have been living in a training facility in Florence, Texas where they go through dozens of intense training scenarios while often deprived of sleep. All the situations they face mirror real-life scenarios. The trainings are dynamic, evolving with the times and as different threats emerge. One practice involved a trooper detaining another officer for using excessive force. Other scenarios include high speed chases, shooter drills and human trafficking interventions. “We aim to stay ahead of those threats,” said Assistant Chief Derek Prestridge. “We're constantly evaluating the scenarios and the training with every recruit school, every training school, and we make the modifications as we deem fit are needed for our trainees,” The trainees are learning to uphold the department’s motto of courtesy, service and protection. “Oftentimes the courtesy portion really isn't discussed enough, but we really impress upon the trainees that regardless of the situation, whether it's the conclusion of a high speed pursuit, if it's a belligerent, intoxicated subject or it's an opportunity to interact within your community, to always remain professional, to always remain courteous,” Prestridge said. The new class is also graduating as a new director takes over DPS. Gov. Greg Abbott swore in Freeman F. Martin as the new director Monday morning. He takes over for former Director Col. Steve McCraw whose last day was Nov. 30. For Prestridge, seeing the trainees in their final week is rewarding. “It's individuals that begin, and, by the conclusion of the academy, they've come together,” he said.