Albany, NY - January 31, 2018 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today congratulated the 208 new members of the State Police at the 206th session graduation ceremony from the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy.
"I commend these fine men and women for answering the call and committing to protect their communities and their fellow New Yorkers as members of the New York State Police," said Governor Cuomo. "These new Troopers have dedicated themselves to public service and together, we will continue to make this great state a safer place to live, work, and travel."
"There is no greater or more noble calling than protecting and serving the people of this state," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who spoke at today's graduation ceremony. "I'm honored to congratulate the more than 200 brave and selfless men, women and veteran graduates, who are committed to keeping New York and its citizens safe."
New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, "Today, we introduce a new generation of highly trained men and women who will serve and protect the citizens of New York State. The graduation of this class continues the New York State Police's more than 100 years of dedicated and proud service. I am honored to congratulate our new members and welcome them to the most prestigious and well-respected law enforcement agency in the nation."
In addition to honoring all graduates from the 206th 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 Sean P. Snellings, a 25-year-old resident of Blasdell, New York. He is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelor's degree in Spanish. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he worked as a senior team leader for HSBC Bank. Throughout the Academy training program, he achieved an outstanding overall academic average of 97.93%. He will be assigned to Troop C.
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 Patrick J. Porteus. A 27-year-old resident of Yorktown Heights, New York. He is a graduate of Manhattan College with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he was a police officer with the city of New York Police Department for five years. During firearms training, he fired an average score of 250 out of a possible 250. He will be assigned to Troop K.
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 5, 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 Kai C. Garlipp. He is a 27-year-old resident of Albany, New York. He is a graduate of the University of Albany with a Master's degree in Criminal Justice. During the physical agility testing, he achieved the highest score of all 209 graduates, a tribute to his superb physical conditioning. He will be assigned to Troop F.
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 Dalton M. Walsh has been chosen as the class representative. He is a 24-year-old resident of Stockton, New York. He is a graduate of Alfred University with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he was an officer for two years with the United States Secret Service assigned to the White House. He will be assigned to Troop C.
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 lead by the New York State Police Pipe and Drum band. The National Anthem was performed by Trooper Elizabeth Fallon. The ceremony included a video presentation of the training received by all members of the 206th Basic School Session.
Video sound bites with the members listed directly below are available on the New York State Police YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/nyspolice. B-roll or still photos of the ceremony will not be provided.
Trooper Michael S. Crosier- Brockport
Trooper Crosier will be assigned to Troop D.
Trooper Scottie Delorbe - Bronx
Trooper Delorbe will be assigned to Troop NYC.
Trooper Tyler J. Dubois - Modena
Trooper Dubois will be assigned to Troop F.
Trooper Kai C. Garlipp - Albany
Trooper Garlipp will be assigned to Troop F.
Trooper Katherine D. Holliday - Liverpool
Trooper Holliday will be assigned to Troop D.
Trooper Kevin D. Holloman - Howard Beach
Trooper Holloman will be assigned to Troop K.
Trooper Dan M. Kelley - Lake Placid
Trooper Kelley will be assigned to Troop B.
Trooper Christopher W. Leege - Gansevoort
Trooper Leege will be assigned to Troop B.
Trooper William N. Michel - Albany
Trooper Michel will be assigned to Troop G.
Trooper Patrick J. Porteus - Yorktown Heights
Trooper Porteus will be assigned to Troop K.
Trooper Lindsey M. Rumenapp - Oneonta
Trooper Rumenapp will be assigned to Troop C.
Trooper Sean P. Snellings- Blasdell
Trooper Snellings will be assigned to Troop C.
Trooper Olivia L. Tabor - Utica
Trooper Tabor will be assigned to Troop F.
Trooper Dalton M. Walsh - Stockton
Trooper Walsh will be assigned to Troop C.
The new troopers will report for field duty on February 5, 2018. For the following 10 weeks the new troopers will be evaluated under a field-training program supervised by senior Field Training Officers.