ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — Governor Kathy Hochul was in Albany on Wednesday as the New York State Police’s Basic School graduated their newest crop of State Troopers.

The school — which was in its 217 session — graduated 238 new officers on Wednesday, October 22. With the new recruits, the ranks of the New York State Police swelled to just over 5,000 sworn members

“Our State Police represent the best of New York, offering nothing short of their full devotion each day to the safety and security of our communities,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “Public safety is my number one priority — and on behalf of all New Yorkers, I commend these 238 men and women for their selfless commitment to service and congratulate them on this extraordinary achievement.”

State Police Superintendent Steven James was on hand to present awards, one of which was awarded to a Troop C recruit. Trooper Connor Hamilton — who graduated from SUNY Oneonta — won the Joseph T. Aversa Physical Fitness Award, which is given to the Trooper who “attain[s]… the highest degree of physical fitness during the Physical Training Program at the Academy.”

Hamilton received a firearm from the New York State Police Investigators Association for his accomplishments.

The following are the local graduates of the 217th Class of the Academy:

Trooper Derek B. Beames of Otego, serving in Troop C,

Trooper Dominic J. Case of West Winfield, serving in Troop C,

Trooper Jacob T. Patterson of Richfield Springs, serving in Troop C,

Trooper Luke K. Hyer of Yorkville, serving in Troop D,

Trooper Jared Kent of Munnsville, serving in Troop D,

Trooper Daniel S. Krakowiak of Utica, serving in Troop D,

Trooper Corbin D. Learned of Earlville, serving in Troop D,

Trooper Jordan M. Rios of Utica, serving in Troop D,

Trooper Evan M. Stone of Mohawk, serving in Troop D,

Trooper Nichole L. Sykes of Westernville, serving in Troop D, and

Trooper Eric D. Vilovchik of Utica, serving in Troop E.

The new Troopers will report for field duty beginning on Monday, October 27, which will last for ten weeks. For those ten weeks, the troopers will be evaluated by senior officers under a field-training program.

“Today’s graduates join a proud and honorable tradition of service that spans more than a century,” Superintendent James said in a statement. “The men and women of the 217th Basic School have shown remarkable determination, integrity, and resilience throughout their training. As they take their oath and begin their assignments across New York, I have every confidence they will uphold the high standards of professionalism and public service that define the New York State Police.”

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