Troop K recognizes several members on their upcoming promotions

Pleasant Valley, New York – Since 1917, the New York State Police has a history of producing superior law enforcement professionals that distinguish themselves as leaders.  Troop K would like to congratulate the following members on their recent promotion or reclassification.

Zone Sergeant Armil Deguzman entered the Division of State Police on October 12, 1992.  In February of 1999, Deguzman promptly earned the permanent rank of Sergeant and was promoted to Zone Sergeant in 2004.  Effective August 13, 2015, Zone Sergeant Deguzman is promoted to the First Sergeant of Troop NYC and will serve the New York City area.

Investigator Kelly M. Taylor entered the Division of State Police in September of 2002.  Taylor was promoted to Investigator in 2006 where he served the Livingston barracks, Troop K Major Crimes Unit and the Dover Station.  Effective August 13, 2015, Investigator Taylor will be reclassified as Senior Investigator and will be stationed at the Dover Plains barracks.

Sergeant/Station Commander Mark R. Baaden started his career with the New York State Police in January of 1996.  He was promoted to Sergeant in January of 2009 and is currently assigned to lead SP Poughkeepsie. Effective August 13, 2015, Sergeant/Station Commander Baaden will be promoted to Zone Sergeant, where he will serve Troop K, Zone 2 Headquarters in Wappinger.

Sergeant/Station Commander John C. Hennigan entered the New York State Police basic school in April of 1994.  He earned the permanent rank of Sergeant in May of 2007 and is currently assigned to SP Somers. Effective August 13, 2015, Sergeant/Station Commander Hennigan will be promoted to Zone Sergeant, where he will be stationed at Zone 3 Headquarters in Hawthorne.

Sergeant Mark A. Conway of SP Somers entered the Division of State Police in May of 1998.  He was promoted to Sergeant on January 8, 2009 and effective August 13, 2015, he is appointed to Station Commander of SP Somers.

Sergeant Paul E. Strobel entered the Division of State Police in September of 2002.  In January of 2009, he earned the permanent rank of Sergeant and is currently stationed at SP New Lebanon.  Effective August 13, 2015, Sergeant Strobel will be appointed to Station Commander of SP Poughkeepsie.

Trooper James D. Horton, a 7-year veteran of the State Police, will be promoted to Sergeant effective August 13, 2015.  Trooper Horton is currently assigned to the Kinderhook Station and once promoted will supervise the Troop K Headquarters Communications Section.

Investigator Justin W. Marrero, who entered the State Police Academy in December of 2003, will earn the permanent rank of Sergeant effective August 13, 2015.  Investigator Marrero was promoted to investigator in February of 2015 and is stationed at SP Brewster.  Marrero will remain in his current assignment.

Investigator James R. Stirpe Jr. entered the Division of State Police in April of 2003.  In March of 2012, he was promoted to investigator and is currently stationed at SP Somers.  On August 13, 2015, he will received the permanent rank of Sergeant and transfer to Division Headquarters.

Investigator Todd A. Kara entered the New York State Police Academy in May of 1999.  In 2007, he was promoted to investigator and served the Troop K Forensic Identification Unit.  In January of 2009, Investigator Kara received the permanent rank of sergeant and remained in the Forensic Identification Unit.  Effective August 13, 2015, Kara will return to the uniform force and serve SP Cortlandt as sergeant.

Trooper Stacey M. Cassels, an 8-year veteran of the State Police, is appointed to investigator effective August 13, 2015.  Trooper Cassels is currently assigned to the Brewster barracks where she serves Troop K as a Crime Scene Technician.

Trooper Roberto P. Cepeda, entered the New York State Police Academy in December of 2003.  Effective August 13, 2015, Trooper Cepeda will be appointed to investigator and will serve SP Dover Plains.  Trooper Cepeda is currently assigned to the East Fishkill barracks where he is a Field Training Officer.

Trooper Anthony P. Ciallela, a 7-year veteran of the State Police, is appointed to investigator effective August 13, 2015.  Trooper Ciallela is currently assigned to SP Somers.

Trooper Eric D. Harris entered the Division of State Police in May of 1998.  Effective August 13, 2015, Trooper Harris will be appointed to investigator and will work at SP Poughkeepsie.  Trooper Harris is currently assigned to the Kinderhook Station where he is a scuba diver and Field Training Officer.