MANHEIM, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police graduated 47 new troopers Friday in Manheim, adding personnel across 11 regional commands as a $16.2 million state appropriation supports four additional training classes expected to produce approximately 380 troopers.
Members of the 176th Cadet Class completed about 27 weeks of academy training before graduating during a ceremony at LCBC Manheim. They are scheduled to report to their assigned troops Aug. 31.
Acting State Police Commissioner Lt. Col. George Bivens welcomed the graduates, whose assignments include six troopers in Lancaster, seven in Reading and one in Philadelphia.
The 2026-27 state budget provides $16.2 million for four additional cadet classes. Since taking office, the Shapiro administration has secured funding for 16 classes expected to train more than 1,600 troopers, according to the State Police.
The agency reported that 673 cadets have graduated and entered service during Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration.
The graduating class was the sixth to complete the academy after Pennsylvania eliminated its college-credit requirement for trooper applicants in August 2023. State Police applications increased 69% in 2025 compared with 2022, when the requirement remained in place.
Five graduates received individual awards during the ceremony.
Levi J. Wallace received the American Legion Award for overall academic, physical, ethical and moral qualifications and the Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award for the class’s highest academic achievement.
Gunnar Frankenfield received the Gesford High Pistol Award for the highest score on the department’s pistol qualification course, while Tyler Elsdon received the Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award.
Brandon Knapp received the John K. Schafer Memorial Award for the highest combined physical-skills test scores, and Briar Kentzel received the Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award.
Troop J in Lancaster will receive Lucero Castillo, Caleb A. Filson, David A. Kelly Jr., Tylan A. Renno, Julian M. Saunders and Luis H. Sirlopu-Lopez.
Troop L in Reading will receive Tyler Elsdon, Eliezer A. Hernandez, Brandon W. Knapp, Joseph L. Kuria, Keeshawn O. McNeill, Luke T. Myers and Nicklaus L. Payne.
Matthew I. Lanzetta-Vargo will join Troop K in Philadelphia.
Troop M in Bethlehem will receive Gunner L. Jankouskas, Jake T. Sabino, Everett J. Vergona, Jackson J. Wydra and Steven T. Young.
Troop H in Harrisburg will receive Tyler J. Adams, Jason A. Collier Jr., Trevor S. Gallagher, Tyler M. Hubbard, Mason K. Jones, Grant A. Terwilliger and Daniel A. Thellman.
Troop F in Montoursville will receive Lance D. Book, Drew R. Evanko, Evan D. Groce, Darren A. Hall, Danni L. Kehl, Shane D. Miller, Owen M. Sabol, Shane C. Stark and Cassandra L. Vaughn.
Troop E in Erie will receive Nathaniel S. Cristini, Gunnar H. Frankenfield, Briar W. Kentzel and Mark A. Minjock.
Troop B in Washington will receive Eric J. Bell, Cameron A. Nicholls and Brady J. Sigut.
Troop A in Greensburg will receive Raymond Dupilka III and Levi J. Wallace, while Troop C in Punxsutawney will receive Matthew R. Luketich and Tanner J. Sidehamer.
Thomas R. Dzadovsky will join Troop D in Butler.
The State Police’s current hiring cycle remains open through Sept. 30. Application requirements, benefits and additional information are available at PATrooper.com.
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