VALHALLA, N.Y. – A new generation of law enforcement officers is set to serve communities across Westchester and Putnam Counties after 43 recruits graduated on Friday from the Westchester County Police Academy’s 159th Session of Basic Recruit School.
The graduation ceremony was held at the SUNY Purchase Recital Hall, where family, friends, and law enforcement leaders gathered to honor the recruits who completed 22 weeks of rigorous training at the academy in Valhalla.
Leadership Commends New Graduates
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor addressed the graduates and presented them with their diplomas, recognizing the dedication and hard work that brought them to this milestone.
“These recruits were required to bring their best effort to the Academy every day. Nothing less would be accepted. Their presence at this graduation ceremony is proof they kept their end of the bargain,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins also acknowledged the emotional toll and sacrifice families make when supporting a loved one in law enforcement.
“I know you are proud of these new officers. And I know there will be times you will worry about them. My dad was a police officer, and I am familiar with those emotions,” he shared.
A Call for Community-Focused Policing
Commissioner Raynor offered words of guidance, encouraging the recruits to become not just enforcers of the law, but trusted members of their communities.
“The state of policing in this country demands that you embrace the concept of police and community working together,” Raynor said.
“Engage your communities with humility and respect. Treat people with fairness and empathy, no matter their race, religion, or socio-economic status.”
Raynor emphasized that the instruction received at the academy equips graduates to serve as both protectors and community guardians.
New Officers Head to Eight Police Departments
The graduating class will now join eight departments—seven in Westchester County and one in Putnam County. The recruits and their assigned departments are as follows:
Westchester County Department of Public Safety
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Denis Halloran
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Anthony Multari
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Matthew Rasulo
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Dakota Ridzik
Greenburgh Police Department
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Jamil Sanders
Kent Police Department (Putnam County)
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Brian Chacha
Mount Pleasant Police Department
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Nicholas Euvino
Mount Vernon Police Department
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Tariq Abdullah
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Kojo Adofo
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Akeem Answer
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Stephen Armstead
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Jessica Baker
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Everton Barnett
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Patrick Gordian
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Frankie Martinez
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Arly Mejia
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Steven Moreano
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David Sassano
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Tajmi Smith-Anderson
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Shamar Walker
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Justin Wallace
SUNY Purchase University Police
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Madelyn Contreras Giron
Tuckahoe Police Department
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Melvin Banks
White Plains Police Department
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Nicole DeSousa
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David Diez-Canseco
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Anthony Grycel
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Kian McGeever
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Mark Perez III
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Angel Sime
Yonkers Police Department
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Eric Bargamian
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Nicholas Coelho
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Michael Cristantiello
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Christian Kowach
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Joseph Mancuso
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Glory Moncion Allen
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DeJuan Morrison
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Patrick Murphy
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Daniel Noll
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Conor O’Donnell
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Brandon Renzi
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Alonzo Rose
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Jason Vargas Jr.
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Brett Wangenstein
Looking Ahead
The graduates now begin the next phase of their journey, joining their respective departments and continuing their training in the field. With strong academic and physical preparation, and a call from leadership to serve with integrity and empathy, these new officers are stepping into their roles at a pivotal time for law enforcement.
The communities they serve will be watching, supporting, and depending on them to uphold the highest standards of justice and public service.
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