MANHEIM, PA — In a boost to public safety efforts across Pennsylvania, 81 cadets have recently transitioned into their roles as fully-fledged troopers following their graduation from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy on May 10, 2024. The completion of an arduous 27-week training regimen marks not only a personal achievement for the graduates but also a pivotal moment for law enforcement in the Commonwealth.
Colonel Christopher L. Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), expressed his admiration for the newest members of PSP at the graduation ceremony held at LCBC Church in Manheim. “I am extremely proud of the hard work, determination, and resilience these cadets demonstrated to complete the rigorous training at the Academy,” he remarked. Col. Paris further emphasized the crucial role the newly minted troopers will play in maintaining safety and order across Pennsylvania’s communities.
The ceremony, celebrating the 169th graduating class, also spotlighted six cadets who distinguished themselves with exemplary performances in various aspects of their training:
- Conner J. Jones received the American Legion Award, signifying outstanding academic, physical, ethical, and moral standards.
- Tyler K. Hewett was awarded the Gesford High Pistol Award for top performance in pistol qualifications.
- Lance R. Klingler earned the John K. Schafer Memorial Award for excelling in physical skills tests.
- Daniel J. Evans received the Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award for demonstrating superior driver safety skills.
- Jessica L. Swabowicz claimed the Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award for achieving the highest academic standing in the class.
- Christian E. Leonarski was honored with the Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award for embodying the qualities of leadership throughout the training program.
The integration of these 81 troopers into the Pennsylvania State Police is more than a ceremonial milestone; it represents the continuous effort by the state to enhance its law enforcement capabilities and ensure the safety of its citizens. These individuals are joining the ranks at a time when the demands on police officers are increasingly complex, balancing the need for rigorous law enforcement with community engagement and sensitivity.
Their deployment across the state on May 20, 2024, highlights the Pennsylvania State Police‘s ongoing efforts to maintain a robust presence in communities, deter crime, and foster trust among the citizens they serve. With challenges ranging from drug trafficking to cybercrime on the rise, the fresh perspectives and renewed energy these new troopers bring could be instrumental in addressing contemporary policing challenges.
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