When you pay the $3 to get into the New York State Fair, there are a handful of things that are absolute musts.

Food, rides, local vendors and for some, it’s the sizable show of "force" settled near the midway.

“The first public assignment for the New York State Police was the New York State Fair, so we have a long connection, and history here," said State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen.

Job hunting is generally not the case. But the New York State Police are using every opportunity, including these 18 days of the fair, to recruit.

“We don't just do road patrol. We don't just write tickets," said State Police Recruiting Captain Ricky Williams. "I mean, as you can see here at the State Fair on display, there are many, there are a whole host of opportunities."

“Everything from being a public information officer and dealing with the press, investigating crime scenes, to flying helicopters,” Bruen said.

“You can investigate major crimes. You can be a part of our dive team," Williams said. "There is room for people like you, all sorts of people who have never thought of policing, as a career choice.”

Certainly, not everyone who walks through the fair gates is qualified or interested, but there are others like Dominic Battaglia and Okoye Thomas-Kemp, who are now applicants.

“I'm very excited. It's something I've been interested since I was young," Battaglia said.

“It felt amazing. I finally got, finally fulfilling my dream. I've been wanting to do this since I was 6," Thomas-Kemp said.

Both are taking unique paths to sign on the dotted line and take their shot at what they believe is the best way to serve their communities.

“My plan would be to sit for the exam. Pass it on the first try and get right in as soon as possible," Battablia said.