HARRISBURG, PA —The Pennsylvania State Police, under the leadership of Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris, announced multiple promotions during a ceremony held on Friday, March 28. The list includes the advancement of one major, two captains, eight lieutenants, and one new director, strengthening its leadership and operational capabilities.
Key Leadership Promotions
Gerard B. McShea Promoted to Major
Major Gerard B. McShea has been appointed as the new director of the Bureau of Training and Education. A veteran of the force since 2003, McShea has steadily climbed the ranks, earning promotions to corporal in 2012, sergeant in 2015, lieutenant in 2019, and captain in 2022. His extensive experience will be invaluable in shaping the future training and education of the department.
Kevin E. Kulesa Promoted to Captain
Captain Kevin E. Kulesa has been assigned as the director of the Integrated Technology Division within the Bureau of Communications and Information Services. Enlisting in 2007, Kulesa has demonstrated a rapid trajectory of growth, with promotions to corporal in 2014, sergeant in 2019, and lieutenant in 2022.
Jonathan Sunderlin Promoted to Captain
Captain Jonathan Sunderlin takes on the role of commanding officer of Troop K in Philadelphia. Joining the force in 2004, Sunderlin has shown consistent leadership, being promoted to corporal in 2013, sergeant in 2016, and lieutenant in 2020.
Lieutenant Promotions
The following officers have been promoted to the rank of lieutenant, with assignments that reflect the department’s focus on strategic, operational, and community-centric goals:
- Lieutenant Thomas Falcon has been appointed patrol section commander at Troop K, Philadelphia. Enlisting in 2008, Falcon previously rose to corporal in 2016 and sergeant in 2020.
- Lieutenant Mark Fisher assumes leadership as the commander of Fleet Technology Integration at the Bureau of Communications and Information Services. Fisher began his service in 2013, achieving the ranks of corporal in 2018 and sergeant in 2020.
- Lieutenant Curtis Guntrum has been named intake commander for the Internal Affairs Division within the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards. Guntrum has been with the State Police since 2006, earning promotions to corporal in 2016 and sergeant in 2022.
- Lieutenant Eric Matiskella will head the Operational Records Division in the Bureau of Records and Identification. A member of the force since 2003, Matiskella advanced to corporal in 2016 and sergeant in 2018.
- Lieutenant Samantha Lee Minnucci has been assigned as the equal employment opportunity section commander in the Equality and Inclusion Office. Minnucci joined the department in 2010, progressing to corporal in 2016 and sergeant in 2020.
- Lieutenant Michael D. Pavelko has been promoted to head the Commercial Vehicle Safety Division in the Bureau of Patrol. Enlisting in 2006, Pavelko achieved corporal status in 2012 and sergeant in 2016.
- Lieutenant William A. Rowan Jr. will command the Digital Evidence Analysis Section under the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Rowan Jr. joined the State Police in 2011, ascending to corporal in 2018 and sergeant in 2021.
- Lieutenant John T. Van Buren has been named patrol section commander at Troop R, Dunmore. Serving since 2003, he earned promotions to corporal in 2010 and sergeant in 2017.
Civilian Leadership Appointment
Juli C. Bossert Promoted to Director of Procurement and Supply Division
Juli C. Bossert will now serve as the director of the Procurement and Supply Division within the Bureau of Staff Services. Bossert joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 2023 and brings a fresh perspective to this critical logistical role.
Commitment to Excellence
These promotions underscore the Pennsylvania State Police’s dedication to recognizing and developing talent within its ranks. Each appointee, with their extensive experience and specialized expertise, represents the agency’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and operational efficiency throughout the Commonwealth.
Colonel Paris highlighted that these advancements showcase the honorees’ dedication and effort, noting that their commitment to the Pennsylvania State Police’s mission enables the organization to deliver outstanding service to the communities it serves.
The promotion ceremony marks another step forward in bolstering the leadership structure of the Pennsylvania State Police, furthering its mission to maintain public safety and support the residents of Pennsylvania.
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