Governor Hochul Announces 212th Session Graduation from the State Police Basic School

Governor Kathy Hochul today joined Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli in honoring 238 new State Troopers as they graduated today from the 212th 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. Today’s graduation increases the State Police ranks to 4,781 sworn members.

“In a world where their mission has grown more challenging and complex, I commend these 238 women and men for dedicating themselves to public service, and their commitment to protecting the people of New York,” Governor Hochul said. “The members of the New York State Police put their lives on the line each day to keep the rest of us safe, and on behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to thank the graduates for their hard work and perseverance — and welcome them to the long gray line.”

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “After months of intense classwork, vigorous training and perseverance, the 212th Basic School join the ranks of one of the finest police agencies in the world. This graduation is the culmination of six-plus months of hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment. I am honored to congratulate our new members and welcome them to the most prestigious and well-respected law enforcement agency in the nation. I am confident that you will carry on the traditions of the long gray line with reverence and pride.”

In addition to honoring all graduates from the 212th Session of Basic School, Acting Superintendent Nigrelli 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 winner of the “Academic Achievement Award” is Trooper Michael P. Ziamandanis, a 26-year-old resident of Albany, New York. He is a graduate of SUNY Albany College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.  Prior to joining the New York State Police as a Trooper, he worked in Large Scale Manufacturing as a Biotech Production Specialist for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Throughout the Academy training program, he achieved an outstanding overall academic average of 96.95%. 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 winner of the Superintendent’s Firearms Proficiency Award is Trooper Kevin M. Fisher Jr. 23, of Rome, New York. He is a graduate of Mohawk Valley Community College with an Associates of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Prior to joining the New York State Police, he was a Patrolman with Rome Police Department for 2.5 years.  During firearms training, he fired an average score of 250 out of a possible 250. He will be assigned to Troop D.

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 this Award is Trooper James P. Hennessy age 24, who resides in Tappan, New York. He is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.Prior to joining the State Police, he was a Police Officer with the New York City Police Department for 1.5 years. During the physical agility testing, he achieved the highest score of all 238 Members of the 212th Session, a tribute to his superb physical conditioning. He will be assigned to Troop F.

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 Martin V. Szostak age 31, who resides in Shokan, New York.  He is a graduate of SUNY Ulster College with an Associate of Science Degree in Individual Studies.  Prior to joining the New York State Police, he worked at NYC Department of Environmental Protection as a Detective Specialist for 6.5 years.  He will be assigned to Troop F.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. The National Anthem was performed by Trooper Andrew M. Young, a member of the graduating class. The ceremony included a video presentation of the training received by all members of the 212th Basic School Session.

The new Troopers will report for field duty on June 21, 2023.  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 assignments where graduates will begin their careers.  Included are the hometowns of the graduates.