Pennsylvania State Police

Manheim, PA – Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Commissioner Col. Christopher L. Paris congratulated 59 Cadets who graduated from the PSP Academy today and officially became troopers.

“Today is the result of a more than six-month commitment from a dedicated group of women and men who completed the intense training and extensive schooling necessary to become State Troopers,” said Col. Paris. “Their leadership, courage, and determination to succeed are an inspiration, and I am extremely proud they are joining PSP’s ongoing mission to protect and serve Pennsylvania.”

During the ceremony for the 170th graduating class, which was held at LCBC Church in Manheim, six cadets received the following special awards and recognition:

Zachery M. Buell: American Legion Award for all-around academic, physical, ethical, and moral qualifications;

• Bryce A. Buckwalter: Gesford High Pistol Award for the highest score on the department’s pistol qualification course;
• Anthony S. Giacobbe: John K. Schafer Memorial Award for the highest combined score on a series of physical skills tests;
• Derek W. Swope: Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award for the highest proficiency in driver safety training;
• Trevor J. Knechel: Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award for the highest level of academic achievement in the class;
• Anthony S. Giacobbe: Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award for exemplifying the qualities of leadership.

The new troopers will report to the following troops on Tuesday, September 3, 2024:

Troop A, Greensburg

Waylon H. Fink
Zackery K. Zimmerman

Troop B, Washington

Allan Bernard
Justin E. Cramer
Hunter T. Heaton
Jacob C. Jesteadt
Payton M. Zatek

Troop C, Punxsutawney

Zachary M. Horwat
Dilen A. Surra

Troop D, Butler

Mason G. Borland
David J. Buczek
Derrick D. Sneed, II

Troop E, Erie

Lester A. Boots
Zachery M. Buell
Mitchell X. Luton
Cory C. Myers
David D. Ross
Lee E. Woodworth

Troop F, Montoursville

Oakley O. Bennett
Tyler T. Bierly
Kevin P. Boyer
Michael J. Maze
Terrance J. Meehan
Tyler J. Serafini
Hadyn L. Swartwood
Jarrett A. Walters

Troop H, Harrisburg

Dylan C. Bucior
Joseph T. Ferraro
Christian A. Fink
Jarred A. John
Carissa M. Kiapes
Ryan N. Leib
Kiersten D. Melder
Derek W. Swope
Joseph R. Weihbrecht, III
Colin S. Wilson

Troop J, Lancaster

Joel D. Bence
Blaine A. Brown
DeAireus O. Brown
Bryce A. Buckwalter
Nicholas E. Kime
Brian A. Pineda
Ebony M. Robinson
Shane R. Snisky
Kurt A. Soto-Silva
Philip H. Taylor
Zachary M. Tice
Andrew T. Vance
Andrey Zhurbich

Troop K, Philadelphia

Daniel J. Finnegan, Jr.
Nathanael G. Foreste, Sr.
Trevor J. Knechel
Keegan T. Lynch

Troop L, Reading

Aden L. Enders

Troop N, Hazleton

Susana Castillo
Anthony S. Giacobbe
Jacob T. Guzzi
Justin R. Vought

Troop P, Wilkes-Barre

Kyle N. Pokrinchak

For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov. To learn more about becoming a Pennsylvania State Trooper, visit patrooper.com.