The ranks of the Pennsylvania State Police swelled by 98 new troopers Friday.
Members of the 134th graduating class from the academy in Hershey received their badges and station assignments during a ceremony at central dauphin high school Friday.
They began as cadets six months ago, and Friday they took the oath of office from State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan.
"I will perform all my duties as a PSP Trooper honestly, faithfully and in accordance with the law."
The ceremony was formal. State Police officials from neighboring states were in attendance, as were other local, state and federal law enforcement representatives.
Philip Rhym of Philadelphia was selected by his classmates to speak on their behalf. He said they learned how to become good troopers and more. "We discovered personal strengths and virtues we didn't know we had. those are honor, trust, integrity, courage, respect, service and duty."
Governor Tom Corbett, noting the Pennsylvania State Police have served Commonwealth residents for 107 years, told the new troopers they have a legacy to follow. "Through the years the men and women of the PSP have run toward danger, not away. they've gone to ease the pain and suffering, to rescue the needy and to restore order among our people."
Members of the class were recognized for scholastic ability, pistol proficiency, driving ability and physical fitness.
Gov. Corbett says the graduation is part of a continuing effort to build the ranks of the state police. In February a new class will convene at the academy with 90 new cadets.
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Governor Tom Corbett congratulated the 98 men and women joining the ranks of the Pennsylvania State Police during graduation ceremonies today.
“Through the years, the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police have run toward danger to ease the pain of the suffering, to rescue the needy and to restore order among our people,’’ Corbett said.
“A week ago in Connecticut we witnessed the pain some people are willing to inflict upon others. Six years ago, the force you are now joining was called to such a tragedy at a small Amish schoolhouse in Lancaster.
“The Pennsylvania State Police is the oldest state force in the nation. It draws from the ranks of everyday citizens, holding fast to the understanding that a free people can only be free where the law is applied equally.
“Yours is the 134th cadet class and I am pleased to say that in February, we will convene another class,’’ Corbett said, with the addition of 90 new cadets. “You are part of a continuing effort.’’
Also speaking at today’s ceremony held at Central Dauphin High School, was State Police Commissioner Col. Frank Noonan. Cadet Philip E. Rhym, Philadelphia, spoke on behalf of the cadet class.
Cadet Ryan C. French of Lewistown, Mifflin County, was named the outstanding cadet by his classmates and instructors, receiving the American Legion Award.
Others receiving awards today were:
Cadet Robert J. Kirby of Harding, Luzerne County – Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award;
Cadet Anthony W. Sist of Hazle Township, Luzerne County – Charles B. Gesford High Pistol Award;
Cadet Anthony D. Falgares III, of Clifton Heights, Delaware County – Col. Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award; and
Cadet Philip E. Rhym of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County – John K. Schafer Memorial Physical Fitness Award.
Maj. John W. Laufer III, director of the State Police Bureau of Training and Education, supervised the training of the class, which was the 134th class to graduate from the State Police Academy in Hershey since it opened in 1960.
The graduates, who have completed 25 weeks of intensive physical and classroom training, have been assigned to stations within nine troop areas across the state.
For more information about the State Police, visit www.psp.state.pa.us.
Members of the 134th graduating class from the academy in Hershey received their badges and station assignments during a ceremony at central dauphin high school Friday.
They began as cadets six months ago, and Friday they took the oath of office from State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan.
"I will perform all my duties as a PSP Trooper honestly, faithfully and in accordance with the law."
The ceremony was formal. State Police officials from neighboring states were in attendance, as were other local, state and federal law enforcement representatives.
Philip Rhym of Philadelphia was selected by his classmates to speak on their behalf. He said they learned how to become good troopers and more. "We discovered personal strengths and virtues we didn't know we had. those are honor, trust, integrity, courage, respect, service and duty."
Governor Tom Corbett, noting the Pennsylvania State Police have served Commonwealth residents for 107 years, told the new troopers they have a legacy to follow. "Through the years the men and women of the PSP have run toward danger, not away. they've gone to ease the pain and suffering, to rescue the needy and to restore order among our people."
Members of the class were recognized for scholastic ability, pistol proficiency, driving ability and physical fitness.
Gov. Corbett says the graduation is part of a continuing effort to build the ranks of the state police. In February a new class will convene at the academy with 90 new cadets.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Governor Tom Corbett congratulated the 98 men and women joining the ranks of the Pennsylvania State Police during graduation ceremonies today.
“Through the years, the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police have run toward danger to ease the pain of the suffering, to rescue the needy and to restore order among our people,’’ Corbett said.
“A week ago in Connecticut we witnessed the pain some people are willing to inflict upon others. Six years ago, the force you are now joining was called to such a tragedy at a small Amish schoolhouse in Lancaster.
“The Pennsylvania State Police is the oldest state force in the nation. It draws from the ranks of everyday citizens, holding fast to the understanding that a free people can only be free where the law is applied equally.
“Yours is the 134th cadet class and I am pleased to say that in February, we will convene another class,’’ Corbett said, with the addition of 90 new cadets. “You are part of a continuing effort.’’
Also speaking at today’s ceremony held at Central Dauphin High School, was State Police Commissioner Col. Frank Noonan. Cadet Philip E. Rhym, Philadelphia, spoke on behalf of the cadet class.
Cadet Ryan C. French of Lewistown, Mifflin County, was named the outstanding cadet by his classmates and instructors, receiving the American Legion Award.
Others receiving awards today were:
Cadet Robert J. Kirby of Harding, Luzerne County – Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award;
Cadet Anthony W. Sist of Hazle Township, Luzerne County – Charles B. Gesford High Pistol Award;
Cadet Anthony D. Falgares III, of Clifton Heights, Delaware County – Col. Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award; and
Cadet Philip E. Rhym of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County – John K. Schafer Memorial Physical Fitness Award.
Maj. John W. Laufer III, director of the State Police Bureau of Training and Education, supervised the training of the class, which was the 134th class to graduate from the State Police Academy in Hershey since it opened in 1960.
The graduates, who have completed 25 weeks of intensive physical and classroom training, have been assigned to stations within nine troop areas across the state.
For more information about the State Police, visit www.psp.state.pa.us.