The ceremony marked the culmination of nearly six months of intensive training, during which cadets developed the skills, discipline, and commitment required to serve communities across the Commonwealth.
“Policing is a noble profession — and the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police go to work every single day to protect and serve our communities,” said Governor Shapiro. “Today, these cadets join their ranks after completing one of the most challenging and rigorous law enforcement training programs in the nation. You are the best of us, and now you will carry the responsibility of keeping Pennsylvanians safe. Our work doesn’t stop here — we will continue to invest in our State Police, support our communities, and ensure all Pennsylvanians feel safe in their neighborhoods. As your Governor, I want you to know I’ve got your back.”
"Today is the result of months of hard work, determination, bravery, and selflessness," said Colonel Paris. "I am proud to call members of the 173rd Cadet Class troopers, and I have full confidence that they will succeed in answering the call to serve, protect, and uphold the law throughout our great Commonwealth."
The 173rd Cadet Class is the third class to graduate from the PSP Academy without a college credit requirement for the position of trooper. The Shapiro Administration waived the college credit requirement for applicants in August 2023. Since then, PSP has seen a significant increase in cadet applications, receiving more than 820 during the most recent application cycle without the requirement.
Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal continues to sustainably fund PSP and includes $16 million to create four more new cadet classes – funding nearly 400 more state troopers. The Governor’s budget proposal also calls for the complete elimination of the current statutory cap, which limits the number of troopers on the streets. Removing the statutory cap will allow for increased patrol visibility, faster response times, and the ability to maintain a proactive posture in Pennsylvania’s communities.
During the ceremony, six cadets received the following special awards and recognition:Kaleb T. Smith: American Legion Award for all-around academic, physical, ethical, and moral qualifications;
Preston Sacco: Gesford High Pistol Award for the highest score on the department’s pistol qualification course;
Cole T. Hurley: John K. Schafer Memorial Award for the highest combined score on a series of physical skills tests;
Colton J. Moorhead: Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award for the highest proficiency in driver safety training;
“Policing is a noble profession — and the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police go to work every single day to protect and serve our communities,” said Governor Shapiro. “Today, these cadets join their ranks after completing one of the most challenging and rigorous law enforcement training programs in the nation. You are the best of us, and now you will carry the responsibility of keeping Pennsylvanians safe. Our work doesn’t stop here — we will continue to invest in our State Police, support our communities, and ensure all Pennsylvanians feel safe in their neighborhoods. As your Governor, I want you to know I’ve got your back.”
"Today is the result of months of hard work, determination, bravery, and selflessness," said Colonel Paris. "I am proud to call members of the 173rd Cadet Class troopers, and I have full confidence that they will succeed in answering the call to serve, protect, and uphold the law throughout our great Commonwealth."
The 173rd Cadet Class is the third class to graduate from the PSP Academy without a college credit requirement for the position of trooper. The Shapiro Administration waived the college credit requirement for applicants in August 2023. Since then, PSP has seen a significant increase in cadet applications, receiving more than 820 during the most recent application cycle without the requirement.
Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal continues to sustainably fund PSP and includes $16 million to create four more new cadet classes – funding nearly 400 more state troopers. The Governor’s budget proposal also calls for the complete elimination of the current statutory cap, which limits the number of troopers on the streets. Removing the statutory cap will allow for increased patrol visibility, faster response times, and the ability to maintain a proactive posture in Pennsylvania’s communities.
During the ceremony, six cadets received the following special awards and recognition:Kaleb T. Smith: American Legion Award for all-around academic, physical, ethical, and moral qualifications;
Preston Sacco: Gesford High Pistol Award for the highest score on the department’s pistol qualification course;
Cole T. Hurley: John K. Schafer Memorial Award for the highest combined score on a series of physical skills tests;
Colton J. Moorhead: Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award for the highest proficiency in driver safety training;
Kaleb T. Smith: Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award for the highest level of academic achievement in the class;
Bradford K. Crislip: Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award for exemplifying the qualities of leadership.
The new troopers will report to the following troops on September 2, 2025:
Troop B, Washington (7)
- Joshua Anselm
- Ethan Hillegas
- Colton Moorhead
- Matthew Rearick
- Leah Rupinsky Miller
- Connor Vig
- Noah Yerdon
- Brandon Crislip
- Zachary Greenawalt
- Jack Lauer
- Tyler Leary
- Riley Maxim
- Austin Cooper
- Dominic Diraimo
- Austin Kuslock
- Preston Sacco
- Benjamin Davies
- Ryan Fitzgerald
- Matthew Flickinger
- Cole Hurley
- Bailey Kist
- Josiah McClarren
- Joshua Myers
- Jeffrey Taylor
- Austin Beels
- Adam Bettwy
- Dylan Binda
- Samuel Culbertson
- Daniel Dudenhoeffer
- Gregory Himes
- Samuel Raup
- Mason Rohrer
- Michal Sivek
- Kaleb Smith
- Ty Walker
- Cameron Williamson
- Jean Antoine
- Tristin Buggy
- Brydn Fair
- Briar Kareem
- Michael Maldonado
- Andrew McCabe
- Ian Mummau
- Brandon Roseberry
- Rene Becerra
- Shawn Hoben
- Collin Meade
- David Roberts
- Joseph Saporito
- Peter Schoenberg
- Trey Foster
- Kevin Pepsin
- Caleb Clements
- Christopher George
- Daniel Gibbons
- Clayton Green
- Sonny Mattern
- Joseph Nacinovich
- Raymond Zheng