Albany – 226 new Troopers graduate from the 202nd graduation session of the New York State Police Academy in Albany this morning. The new State Troopers will report for duty beginning February 12 to posts throughout the state.
“Today’s graduating class of Troopers is continuing the accomplished tradition of the New York State Police,” Governor Cuomo said. “I commend each of these men and women for their commitment to protecting our communities – they are a perfect example of what it means to dedicate yourself to serving others, and I wish them well as they work to keep our State safe for all New Yorkers.”
“I offer my most sincere congratulations to today’s class of State Police graduates,” Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. “These men and women are members of the family of New York who will undoubtedly perform their duties with excellence and integrity – and for that, we are and will long be thankful for their hard work and dedication.”
“After months of training, the 202nd Basic School joins the ranks of one of the finest police agencies in the world,” said New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico. “For nearly 100 years the State Police have served and protected the citizens of New York. Thank you for your dedication and determination over the past few months as you worked to become a New York State Trooper.”
The new troopers will report for field duty on February 12. For the following 10 weeks, the new troopers will be evaluated under a field-training program supervised by senior Field Training Officers.
The graduation ceremony, which Lieutenant Governor Hochul attended, was held at the Empire State Plaza Convention Hall in Albany where the new Troopers marched into the convention center in a procession lead by the New York State Police Pipe and Drum band. The National Anthem was performed by Trooper Robert Burke. The ceremony included a video presentation of the training received by all members of the 202nd Basic School Session.
In addition to honoring all graduates from the 202nd Session of Basic School, Superintendent D’Amico presented the following awards:
Academic Achievement Award
The winner of the “Academic Performance Award” is Trooper Shane D. Larkin., a 24-year-old resident of Saratoga, New York. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he graduated from the Empire State College with an Associate Degree in Business. Throughout the Academy training program, he achieved an outstanding overall academic average of 99.33%. He will be assigned to Troop G.
Firearms Proficiency Award
The New York State Trooper Foundation has sponsored the awarding of a firearm for the attainment of the highest level of performance in all phases of firearms training.
The winner of the Superintendent’s Firearms Proficiency Award is Trooper Dominick T. Caito, age 25, of Rochester, New York. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he served as an officer for the Monroe County Sherriff’s office. During firearms training, he fired an average score of 250 out of a possible 250. He will be assigned to Troop E.
Investigator Joseph T. Aversa Physical Fitness Award
The New York State Police Investigators Association has sponsored the awarding of a firearm for the attainment of the highest degree of physical fitness during the Physical Training Program at the Academy. This award will be presented in memory of deceased Investigator Joseph Aversa. Investigator Aversa made the ultimate sacrifice in New York City on March 5th, 1990, during a narcotics investigation while serving as a Member of the Joint Drug Enforcement Task Force. Investigator Aversa was a six-year State Police veteran who believed that physical conditioning was an integral part of being a Trooper.
The winner of the Joseph T. Aversa Physical Training Award is Trooper Vladlen Shkradyuk. He is 27 years old and resides in Brooklyn, New York. Prior to entering the New York State Police Academy, he graduated from Kingsborough Community College with an associate Degree in Liberal Arts. During the physical agility testing, he achieved the highest score of all 226 Members of the 202nd Session, a tribute to his superb physical conditioning. He will be assigned to Troop F.
Student Representative
The New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association has sponsored the awarding of a firearm to the Member of the class who is selected by his or her peers to represent them during these exercises. The PBA presents the award in memory of Trooper John J. McKenna IV, who was killed in action in 2006, while serving his country as a Marine in Iraq.
Trooper Brian C. Dipasquale has been chosen as the class representative. He is 26 years old and resides in Red Hook. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he worked as a police officer for the Town of Red Hook Police Department. He will be assigned to Troop F.
Troop K – Poughkeepsie
KRISTIN A. BRUCALE from PUTNAM VALLEY
JOHN P. HUERTA from ELMHURST
BRIAN LEKHMUS from PLEASANT VALLEY
BRYAN J. VANDENBURGH from VALATIE
