Governor Hochul Announces 218th Session Graduation from the State Police Basic School

Governor Kathy Hochul congratulated 175 new State Troopers as they graduated today from the 218th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy.

“These men and women have worked and trained extremely hard for weeks and have dedicated themselves to protecting the people of New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “I commend these new Troopers for their commitment to public service and making our state a safer place for those who live, work and travel through New York. I wish them luck as they start their careers and continue the fine tradition of the New York State Police.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Today’s graduation is the culmination of six months of difficult classwork, physical training and sacrifice, and we now welcome our newest members to one of the most prestigious and well-respected law enforcement agencies in the nation. I am confident they are equipped to carry out our mission to serve our communities with the same professionalism and pride the State Police have exhibited for the past 109 years.”

In addition to honoring all graduates from the 218th Session of Basic School, Superintendent James 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 recipient of the Academic Achievement Award is Trooper Tyler J. Mack, age 25, who resides in Cohoes, New York. He is a graduate of the University at Albany where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he was an Investigative Analyst with the New York National Guard Counter Drug Task Force. Throughout the Academy training program, he achieved an outstanding overall academic average of 95.83 percent. He will be assigned to Troop G.

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 recipient of the Superintendent’s Firearms Proficiency Award is Trooper Mark S. D’Angelo, age 22, who resides in Manorville, New York. He attended the University at Albany studying Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity just prior to acceptance to the New York State Police. During firearms training, he achieved an average score of 250 out of a possible 250. He will be assigned to Troop C.

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 recipient of the Investigator Joseph T. Aversa Physical Fitness Award is John P. Jagdeo, age 21, who resides in Brooklyn, New York. He is a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he was a Probationary Officer with the NYPD. During the physical agility testing, he achieved the highest score of all 175 Members of the 218th Session, a tribute to his superb physical conditioning. He will be assigned to Troop C.

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.

The recipient of this award is Trooper Phillip J. White, age 36, who resides in Malone, New York. He is a graduate of Liberty University where he earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he served in the United States Air Force as a helicopter pilot. He will be assigned to Troop B.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Empire Plaza Convention Center in Albany. The National Anthem was performed by Trooper Marcell Wittmann, a member of the graduating class. The ceremony included a video presentation of the training received by all members of the 218th Basic School Session.

The new Troopers will start to report for field duty on May 30, 2026. For the following 10 weeks, the new Troopers will be evaluated under a field-training program supervised by senior Field Training Officers.

Below is a list of Field Training Troop assignments where graduates will begin their careers. Included are the hometowns of the graduates.