MANHEIM, PA — Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Pennsylvania State Police Acting Commissioner George Bivens welcomed 69 new state troopers Friday as the Commonwealth continued a broader effort to expand PSP staffing through increased academy funding and loosened recruitment requirements.
The graduation ceremony for the 175th Cadet Class at LCBC Manheim marked the completion of nearly six months of academy training for cadets who will begin assignments across eight state police troops later this month.
The graduation comes as the Shapiro administration seeks an additional $16.2 million in the proposed 2026-27 state budget to fund four more cadet classes, representing roughly 380 additional troopers. Since taking office, the administration has secured funding for 12 cadet classes expected to train more than 1,000 troopers statewide.
To date, 626 cadets have graduated under the current administration, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.
The 175th Cadet Class was also the fifth graduating class since Pennsylvania eliminated college credit requirements for state trooper applicants in 2023, a policy shift officials say significantly expanded the recruitment pool. PSP reported that 55% of the graduating cadets would not have qualified under the previous standards.
State police said applications have increased nearly 60% since the requirement was removed, with roughly half of all troopers graduating after the policy change previously ineligible to apply.
“It was an honor to be part of today’s graduation ceremony, as our newest Pennsylvania State Troopers embarked on their journey to becoming public servants,” Davis said during the ceremony.
Bivens described the class as demonstrating “remarkable leadership, determination, selflessness, and commitment” throughout academy training.
Four cadets received special recognition during the ceremony.
Trey A. Quinones received both the American Legion Award for overall academic, ethical, moral, and physical achievement and the Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award. Cole B. McAnulty earned the Gesford High Pistol Award and the Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award for top firearms and academic performance. Thomas T. Bolesta received the John K. Schafer Memorial Award for physical testing performance, while Francis K. Baluyot earned the Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award.
The largest group of graduates — 19 troopers — will report to Troop E in Erie. Additional assignments include Troop K in Philadelphia with 11 troopers, Troops H in Harrisburg and J in Lancaster with 10 each, Troop M in Bethlehem with seven, Troop F in Montoursville with six, Troop L in Reading with three, and Troop P in Wilkes-Barre with three.
The new troopers are scheduled to report to their assigned stations on Tuesday, May 26. PSP’s current hiring cycle remains open through May 29.
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