Governor Cuomo Announces 207th Session Graduation from the State Police Basic School

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More Than 150 New Troopers Graduate from Across New York State.

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158 new members of the State Police have graduated from the New York State Police Academy.

Photo by: LI.com News Team

New York, NY - November 14, 2018 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today congratulated the 158 new members of the State Police at the 207th session graduation ceremony from the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy.
 
"These new Troopers have answered the call and dedicated themselves to selflessly serving the people of New York State," Governor Cuomo said. "I commend these men and women for their hard work over the last 26 weeks and for their commitment to public service. Our state will be safer with these members joining the ranks and enforcing our laws."
 
"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 150 brave and selfless men, women and veteran graduates, who are committed to keeping New York and its citizens safe. Congratulations to the 207th graduating class and thank you for your brave and selfless service making a difference in the lives of others."
 
New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, "After 26 weeks of difficult classwork and training, the 207th Basic School will continue the fine tradition of the State Police members that have come before them. This graduation ceremony is the culmination of the hard work you have shown over the past six months. It is also a testament to your continued dedication, as you waited years before your name was called to join the long gray line. I congratulate all of our new members and wish you luck as you start your career."
 
In addition to honoring all graduates from the 207th 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 Richard J. Caster, a 31-year-old resident of Howard Beach, New York. He is a graduate of Long Island University with a Bachelor Degree in History. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he was a police officer with NYPD for six years. Throughout the Academy training program, he achieved an outstanding overall academic average of 98.15%. He will be assigned to Troop NYC.
 
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 Gene Rhee. age 30, of Pearl River, New York. He is a graduate of SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he was a recruit in the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. During firearms training, he fired an average score of 250 out of a possible 250. He will be assigned to Troop F.
 
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 Matthew P. Levine. He is 25 years old and resides in Island Park, New York. He is a graduate of John Jay College with a Bachelor Degree in Police Studies. Trooper Levine was previously employed as a police officer with NYPD.  During the physical agility testing, he achieved the highest score of all 158 Members of the 207th Session, a tribute to his superb physical conditioning. He will be assigned to Troop K.
 
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 Jason R. Trembley has been chosen as the class representative. He is 29 years old and resides in Clifton Park, New York. He is a graduate of the University at Albany with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he was a deputy with the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office. He will be assigned to Troop G.
 
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 Sergeant Elizabeth Fallon. The ceremony included a video presentation of the training received by all members of the 206th Basic School Session.