Shawdesh Desk:

The New York State Police Academy has graduated 232 new troopers from its 213th session. The ceremony took place at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, with Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento presiding. This brings the total number of State Police members to 4,781.

Chiumento congratulated the graduates, acknowledging their months of rigorous training. He highlighted the importance of the ceremony in the history of the New York State Police and expressed confidence in the new troopers’ commitment to serving New York State citizens.

Several awards were given during the ceremony. The Academic Achievement Award, which includes a firearm for top academic performance, was awarded to Trooper Mark J. Novello. Novello, a 24-year-old former New York City Police Officer from Astoria, achieved a 97.23% academic average during his training.

The Superintendent’s Firearms Proficiency Award went to Trooper David A. Heath, a 25-year-old former Deputy with the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office from Central Square. Heath scored perfectly in all firearms training phases. The Investigator Joseph T. Aversa Physical Fitness Award was given to Trooper Paul R. Tripi, who scored highest in physical agility testing.

The Student Representative Award, sponsored by the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (PBA), was given to Trooper Kevin J. Knightes. Knightes, a 32-year-old from Schenectady, was chosen by his peers to represent them at the graduation. The new troopers will be assigned to various locations across the state.