HARRISBURG – Col. Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, has announced that 51 cadets graduated from the State Police Academy in Hershey and have been assigned to troops across the commonwealth.
The men and women represent the 160th graduating cadet class.
In accordance with statewide measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the graduation ceremony was closed to the public. Friends and family were afforded the opportunity to view the event via live streams on the Academy YouTube channel.
“Graduating from the academy and attaining the rank of trooper is a special day in the career of each member of the Pennsylvania State Police,” Evanchick said. “It marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another; filled with great opportunities, great challenges and even greater responsibilities.”
Six cadets received special awards and recognition:
The American Legion Award, presented to the most outstanding cadet in recognition of all-around academic, physical, ethical, and moral qualifications: Richard L. Magnuson Jr.
The Colonel Ronald L. Sharpe Award, presented to the cadet who most exemplifies the qualities of leadership: Kevin P. Wilson
The Colonel John K. Schafer Award, presented to the cadet who achieved the highest combined score on a series of physical skills tests: Giovanni Romero
The Commissioner Daniel F. Dunn Award, presented to the cadet who earned the highest level of academic achievement in the class: Jeffrey W. Payton Jr.
The Colonel Paul J. Chylak Award, presented to the cadet who demonstrated the highest proficiency in driver safety training: Nicholas L. Hornbaker
The Sergeant Charles B. Gesford Award, presented to the cadet who scored the highest on the department’s pistol qualification course: Matthew D. Stercho
Graduates assigned to local troops include:
Troop H, Carlisle: Michael J. Folcarelli; Troop H, Chambersburg: Brandon M. Gelet,
Bradley G. Lay, Benjamin L. Leberfinger, Adam J. Maurer, Ally G. Neidigh, Christopher C. Pile and James T. Stevenson Jr.;Troop H, Gettysburg: Jason Gueck, Cody F. Mack and Nathan S. McHugh.
