Governor Kathy Hochul joined Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli today to honor the 238 NSW Police officers who graduated today from the 212th class of the New York State Police Academy Basic School. The ceremony took place at the Empire Plaza Convention Center in Albany. Today’s graduation brings the state police force to 4,781 sworn-in members.
“In a world where their missions have become more challenging and complex, I commend these 238 men and women for their dedication to public service and their commitment to protecting the people of New York,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State Police risk their lives every day to keep the rest of us safe, and on behalf of all New Yorkers, I thank the graduates for their hard work and perseverance — and welcome them to the long gray line.”
New York State Police Commissioner Steven A. Nigrelli said, “After months of intense classroom study, aggressive training and perseverance, the 212th Basic School joins the ranks of one of the best police agencies in the world. This graduation is the culmination of more than six months of hard work, determination and unwavering commitment. It is an honor to congratulate our new members and welcome them to the nation’s most prestigious and respected law enforcement agency. I am confident that you will carry on the Long Gray Line’s legacy with reverence and pride.”
In addition to recognizing all graduates of the 212th Class of Basic School, Acting Principal Nigrelli presented the following awards:
Academic Achievement Award
As a special award for all students enrolled in the State Police Academy Basic School, the Superintendent sponsors the award of a gun to the student who achieves the highest academic achievement during training at the Academy.
The recipient of the Academic Achievement Award was Trooper Michael P. Ziamandanis, a 26-year-old resident of Albany, New York. He is a graduate of SUNY College at Albany with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Before joining the New York State Police as a trooper, he worked in the large scale manufacturing sector as a biotechnology production specialist for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. He achieved an excellent overall academic average of 96.95% throughout the academy training program. He will be assigned to Troop G.
Firearms Proficiency Award
The New York State Mounted Police Foundation sponsors firearms awards for the highest level of performance in all phases of firearms training.
The recipient of the Superintendent’s Firearms Proficiency Award was Trooper Kevin M. Fisher Jr., 23, of Rome, New York. He graduated from Mohawk Valley Community College with an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice. Before joining the New York State Police, he served as a Patrolman with the Rome Police Department for 2.5 years. During his firearms training, he averaged a score of 250 out of 250. He will be assigned to Troop D.
Investigator Joseph T. Aversa Physical Fitness Award
The New York State Association of Police Investigators sponsors firearm awards for attaining the highest degree of physical fitness during the Academy’s athletic training program. The award is presented in memory of the late investigator Joseph Aversa. Investigator Aversa made the ultimate sacrifice in a drug investigation as a member of the Joint Narcotics Task Force on March 5, 1990 in New York City. Investigator Aversa, a six-year State Police veteran, believes physical fitness is an integral part of being a Mountie.
The recipient of the award is Trooper James P. Hennessy, 24, of Tappan, NY. He is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz with an MBA. Before joining the State Police, he was an officer with the New York City Police Department for 1.5 years. In the physical fitness test, he won the highest score among the 238 contestants in the 212th session, which shows his superb physical fitness. He will be assigned to Troop F.
Student Representative
The New York State Police Benevolent Association sponsors firearm awards for the class member selected by his or her peers to represent them in these drills. The PBA presents the award in memory of Trooper John J. McKenna IV, who was killed in 2006 while serving as a Marine in Iraq.
The recipient of the award is Trooper Martin V. Szostak, 31, of Shokan, New York. He is a graduate of SUNY Ulster College with an Associate of Science in Personal Studies. Before joining the New York State Police, he was a Detective Specialist with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for 6.5 years. He will be assigned to Troop F.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Empire Plaza Convention Center in Albany. The national anthem is performed by Trooper Andrew M. Young, a member of the senior class. The ceremony included a video presentation of the training received by all members of the 212th Basic Schools Conference.
New Soldiers will report for field duty on June 21, 2023. Over the next 10 weeks, new soldiers are assessed against a field training program overseen by a senior field training officer.
Below is a list of on-site training tasks that graduates will begin their careers with. These include the hometowns of the graduates.
