226 Graduate from New York State Police Academy's Basic School

 

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