State Police Announces 96 New Troopers

Harrisburg, PA - Acting Commissioner Tyree Blocker announced that 96 men and women graduated from the State Police Academy today and were assigned to troops across the commonwealth.

Blocker spoke at the ceremony, which was held at the Hershey Theater. Cadet Cameron A. Ferguson of Cambria County spoke on behalf of the cadet class.

Cadet Justin R. Mitchell was named the outstanding cadet by his classmates and instructors, receiving the American Legion Award. Also receiving awards were: Cadet Daniel L. Gibson, who earned the Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award; Cadet Richard A. Giustini earned the Gesford High Pistol Award; Cadet Kyle D. Trate, the Col. Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award; and Cadet Dylan J. Weaver, the John K. Schafer Memorial Physical Fitness Award.

Major Adam Kisthardt, director of the state police Bureau of Training and Education, supervised the training of the class, which was the 143rd class to graduate from the State Police Academy in Hershey since its opening in 1960.

The graduates have been assigned to stations within 13 troop areas across the state. The following are PSP Hazleton's new troopers.

Troop N, Hazleton

Jessica A. Bianchi of Monroe County

Mathew T. Keats of Luzerne County

Matthew R. Mascaro of Lackawanna County

Richard W. Mrak of Luzerne County