Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), welcomed 69 new troopers during a graduation ceremony for the 175th Cadet Class at LCBC Manheim. The ceremony marked the culmination of nearly six months of intensive training, during which cadets developed the skills, discipline, and commitment required to serve communities across the Commonwealth.
“For approximately the last six months, members of the 175th Cadet Class demonstrated remarkable leadership, determination, selflessness, and commitment to complete the Academy and earn the rank of Trooper,” said Lieutenant Colonel Bivens. “I am beyond proud to officially welcome this dedicated group of women and men to our PSP family, as they prepare to join our mission to keep our communities safe and uphold the law across the Commonwealth.”
The 175th Cadet Class is the fifth class to graduate from the PSP Academy without a college credit requirement for the position of trooper. Since then, PSP has seen a nearly 60% increase in cadet applicants. In fact, approximately 50% of the state troopers who were accepted into and graduated from the PSP Academy after the change took effect would not have been eligible to apply if the requirement had not been eliminated.
During the ceremony, four cadets received special awards and recognition:
- Trey A. Quinones: American Legion Award for all-around academic, physical, ethical, and moral qualifications; Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award for exemplifying the qualities of leadership;
- Cole B. McAnulty: Gesford High Pistol Award for the highest score on the department’s pistol qualification course; Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award for the highest level of academic achievement in the class;
- Thomas T. Bolesta: John K. Schafer Memorial Award for the highest combined score on a series of physical skills tests;
- Francis K. Baluyot: Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award for the highest proficiency in driver safety training;
