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New York State Police have expanded their ranks with 176 new troopers graduating from the 216th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy. The graduation ceremony took place on Thursday (February 6) at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, New York. Governor Kathy Hochul and Superintendent Steven G. James were present to honor the new troopers. This addition brings the total number of sworn members in the New York State Police to 5,034.
Governor Hochul commended the graduates for their dedication to public service, stating, "The members of the New York State Police put their lives on the line each day to keep the rest of us safe." Superintendent James praised the graduates for completing six months of rigorous training, expressing confidence in their ability to serve the community with professionalism and pride.
Among the graduates, Clayton D. Buff received the Academic Achievement Award for his outstanding academic performance, while Hunter T. Argetsinger earned the Firearms Proficiency Award. Oliver P. Valenti was recognized with the Joseph T. Aversa Physical Fitness Award for his exceptional physical conditioning. Antonio M. Vecchio was chosen as the class representative by his peers.
The new troopers will report for field duty starting Friday (February 7) or Monday (February 10), depending on their platoon. They will undergo a ten-week field training program supervised by senior Field Training Officers.