MANHEIM – After completing approximately 27 weeks of training, 49 new troopers were welcomed to the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) today by Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris during the 174th Cadet Class graduation at LCBC Manheim.
The 2025-26 state budget includes funding for four cadet classes. Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has secured funding for twelve cadet classes to train over 1,000 new Pennsylvania State Troopers and obtained funding through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to help municipal police departments recruit and retain nearly 700 municipal police officers across the Commonwealth. To date, more than 550 cadets have graduated and joined the ranks of PSP under Governor Shapiro’s leadership.
“For nearly six months at our Academy, this elite group of dedicated women and men remained focused, motivated, disciplined, and committed to earning the rank of trooper,” said Colonel Paris. “Today, we celebrate their great achievement and look forward to them joining our PSP brothers and sisters in serving, protecting, and upholding the law across the Commonwealth.”
The 174th Cadet Class is the fourth class to graduate from the PSP Academy without a college credit requirement for the position of trooper. The Shapiro Administration waived the college credit requirement for applicants in August 2023. As a result, PSP that year saw a 258% increase in the number of applicants taking the test to become troopers.
Four cadets received special awards and recognition:
Joseph A. Williams: American Legion Award for all-around academic, physical, ethical, and moral qualifications; Gesford High Shooter Award for the highest score on the department’s pistol qualification course; Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award for the highest level of academic achievement in the class;
Frank A. Dangello: John K. Schafer Memorial Award for the highest combined score on a series of physical skills tests;
Michael C. Polinski: Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award for the highest proficiency in driver safety training;
Kaleb S. Crean: Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award for exemplifying the qualities of leadership.
