Governor Andrew Cuomo today congratulated
226 new members of the New York State Police on their graduation from
the 204th session of the New York State Police Academy's Basic School.
"After 26 weeks of hard work and
perseverance, these Troopers will join the honorable tradition of
serving and protecting the people of New York," Governor Cuomo said.
"I commend these men and women for their pledge to keep New Yorkers
safe and congratulate them as they start their careers in the New York
State Police."
The graduation ceremony was held at the
Empire State Plaza Convention Hall in Albany where the new troopers
marched into the convention center in a procession led by the New York
State Police Pipe and Drum band. The National Anthem was performed by
Trooper Elizabeth Fallon and the ceremony included a video presentation
of the training received by all members of the 204th Basic School
Session.
"Six months ago these outstanding men and
women answered the call to serve, and after the rigors of training they
are ready to join one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the
world," said Lieutenant Governor Hochul. "This
class chose the motto ‘Protecting New York to the core, we are the
204’, and nothing could speak more to their courage and sense of
dedication. I’m honored to take part in today’s commencement, and wish
all the graduates the very best as they enter an exciting and noble
profession."
"After months of training, the 204th Basic School join the ranks of one of the finest police agencies in the world," said New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II.
"For nearly 100 years the State Police have served and protected the
citizens of New York. I congratulate all of our new Troopers and thank
them for their continued dedication to the State Police and the people
of New York."
In addition to honoring all graduates from
the 204th Session of Basic School, Superintendent Beach presented the
following awards:
Academic Achievement Award - As a special incentive for all students
attending the State Police Academy Basic School, the Superintendent
sponsors the awarding of a firearm for the attainment of the highest
level of academic performance during Academy training.
The winner of the Academic Performance Award
is Trooper Joseph A. Sparacino, a 27-year-old resident of Tonawanda,
New York. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he was a Police
Officer with the Town of Tonawanda Police Department. Throughout the
Academy training program, he achieved an outstanding overall academic
average of 99.3. He will be assigned to Troop E.
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 Michael R. Beck, age 30, of Auburn, New
York. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he served as a
corporal for nine years with the Cayuga 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 D.
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 Jeffrey Blazek. He is 27 years old and resides
in New Hartford, New York. Prior to entering the New York State Police
Academy, he graduated from Utica College with a Bachelor Degree in
Economic Crime Investigation. During the physical agility testing, he
achieved the highest score of all 226 Members of the 204th Session, a
tribute to his superb physical conditioning. He will be assigned to
Troop B.
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 Avery Katz has been chosen as the
class representative. He is 34 years old and resides in Yorktown
Heights, New York. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he
graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor Degree in Criminal
Justice. He is currently an Executive Officer in the United States
Marine Core Reserves. He will be assigned to Troop F.
Video sound bites with the members listed directly below are available on the New York State Police YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/nyspolice.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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