“These individuals have received the best possible training and are well prepared to face the challenges of law enforcement,” Governor Rendell said.  “We are counting on these new troopers to help Pennsylvania better protect its residents and ensure the safety of our communities.”

Noting that state police now has 4,549 authorized positions – the highest number in history — Governor Rendell said his budget proposal for 2009-2010 is aimed at enabling state police to fill its authorized positions by June 2010.

Naomi Wyatt, secretary of the Pennsylvania Office of Administration, was principal speaker at the ceremony, which was held at Central Dauphin High School. Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski offered remarks and Cadet Raymond L. Harding III of Pittsburgh spoke on behalf of the cadet class.

Cadet Timothy E. Janosco Jr. of White Haven, Luzerne County, was named the outstanding cadet by his classmates and instructors, receiving the American Legion Award.  Janosco also won the Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award.

Also receiving awards were:

* Cadet Thomas G. Falcon of Bensalem, Bucks County – Charles B. Gesford High Pistol Award;
* Cadet James C. Mooney of Philadelphia – Col. Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award; and
* Cadet Matthew W. Wadsworth of Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County – John K. Schafer Memorial Physical Fitness Award.

Major John W. Laufer III, director of the state police Bureau of Training and Education, supervised the training of the class, which was the 128th class to graduate from the State Police Academy in Hershey since it opened in 1960.

The graduates have been assigned to nine different state police troops across the commonwealth and will report to their troops on Feb. 16.

Pennsylvania State Police
Public Information Office
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-783-5556