Gov. Kathy Hochul joined Superintendent Steven G. James last month in honoring 181 new New York State Troopers as they graduated from the 215th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy. The ceremony was held at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. The graduates increase the state police ranks to 5,183 sworn members.
The new troopers are currently in the midst of 10 weeks of field duty where they will be evaluated under a field-training program supervised by senior officers.
Local graduates of the class are:
• Anthony J. Kuhn Sr. of Sanborn
• Matthew D. Weinholtz of North Tonawanda
They are both currently assigned to Troop E in Monroe County.
In addition to honoring graduates, Superintendent James presented the following awards:
• Academic Achievement Award: Trooper Brian Leahey, 35, of Farmington.
• Firearms Proficiency Award: Tanner J. Rarrick, 29, of Painted Post.
• Investigator Joseph T. Aversa Physical Fitness Award: Gavin F. Mannion, 25, of Cornwall on Hudson.
• Student Representative: Matthew D. Weinholtz, 31, of Orchard Park. He is a graduate of Mercyhurst University with a bachelor’s degree in intelligence studies. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he was a trooper with the Virginia State Police. He will be assigned to Troop A.
“I commend these 181 men and women for dedicating themselves to public service, and their commitment to protecting the people of New York state,” Hochul said. “The New York State Police put their lives on the line each day to keep us safe, serving as a critical lifeline for all New Yorkers. On behalf of the state, I want to thank the graduates for their perseverance and welcome them to the long gray line.”