Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, welcomed the new troopers during a graduation ceremony held at LCBC Manheim.
Members of the class completed approximately 27 weeks of rigorous training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy before earning the rank of trooper.
“For nearly six months, this dedicated group of women and men demonstrated remarkable strength, leadership, courage, discipline, resilience, and commitment to complete the rigors of the Academy and earn the rank of trooper,” Bivens said. “I am beyond proud to welcome these brave individuals to our PSP family, and I have the utmost confidence in their ability to successfully serve, protect, and uphold the law across the Commonwealth.”
The graduation comes as Pennsylvania continues efforts to increase staffing within the State Police.
According to the Shapiro-Davis Administration, $16.2 million was included in the 2026-27 state budget to support four additional cadet classes, representing approximately 380 prospective troopers.
Since Gov. Josh Shapiro took office, the administration has secured funding for 16 cadet classes intended to train more than 1,600 new State Police troopers. To date, 673 cadets have graduated and joined PSP during the Shapiro Administration.
The 176th Cadet Class was also the sixth to complete the State Police Academy since Pennsylvania eliminated the college credit requirement for trooper applicants in August 2023.
State officials say the change has contributed to an increase in interest in becoming a Pennsylvania State Trooper. PSP reported a 69% increase in applicants in 2025 compared with 2022, when the college credit requirement remained in place.
Five members of the 176th Cadet Class received special awards during Saturday's ceremony.
Levi J. Wallace received the American Legion Award, recognizing all-around academic, physical, ethical and moral qualifications. Wallace also received the Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award for achieving the highest academic performance in the class.
Gunnar H. Frankenfield received the Gesford High Pistol Award after recording the highest score on the department's pistol qualification course.
Tyler Elsdon, of Schuylkill County, received the Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award for exemplifying leadership qualities throughout his training.
Brandon W. Knapp received the John K. Schafer Memorial Award for achieving the highest combined score on a series of physical skills tests.
Briar W. Kentzel received the Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award for achieving the highest proficiency in driver safety training.
The 47 graduates will now begin their careers as Pennsylvania State Police troopers serving communities across the Commonwealth.
Pictured Above: Schuylkill County Native Tyler Elsdon receiving the Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award (Courtesy of PACast)
| Pennsylvania State Police 176th Cadet Class Assignments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Troop | Location | New Trooper |
| Troop A | Greensburg | Raymond Dupilka, III |
| Troop A | Greensburg | Levi J. Wallace |
| Troop B | Washington | Eric J. Bell |
| Troop B | Washington | Cameron A. Nicholls |
| Troop B | Washington | Brady J. Sigut |
| Troop C | Punxsutawney | Matthew R. Luketich |
| Troop C | Punxsutawney | Tanner J. Sidehamer |
| Troop D | Butler | Thomas R. Dzadovsky |
| Troop E | Erie | Nathaniel S. Cristini |
| Troop E | Erie | Gunnar H. Frankenfield |
| Troop E | Erie | Briar W. Kentzel |
| Troop E | Erie | Mark A. Minjock |
| Troop F | Montoursville | Lance D. Book |
| Troop F | Montoursville | Drew R. Evanko |
| Troop F | Montoursville | Evan D. Groce |
| Troop F | Montoursville | Darren A. Hall |
| Troop F | Montoursville | Danni L. Kehl |
| Troop F | Montoursville | Shane D. Miller |
| Troop F | Montoursville | Owen M. Sabol |
| Troop F | Montoursville | Shane C. Stark |
| Troop F | Montoursville | Cassandra L. Vaughn |
| Troop H | Harrisburg | Tyler J. Adams |
| Troop H | Harrisburg | Jason A. Collier, Jr. |
| Troop H | Harrisburg | Trevor S. Gallagher |
| Troop H | Harrisburg | Tyler M. Hubbard |
| Troop H | Harrisburg | Mason K. Jones |
| Troop H | Harrisburg | Grant A. Terwilliger |
| Troop H | Harrisburg | Daniel A. Thellman |
| Troop J | Lancaster | Lucero Castillo |
| Troop J | Lancaster | Caleb A. Filson |
| Troop J | Lancaster | David A. Kelly, Jr. |
| Troop J | Lancaster | Tylan A. Renno |
| Troop J | Lancaster | Julian M. Saunders |
| Troop J | Lancaster | Luis H. Sirlopu-Lopez |
| Troop K | Philadelphia | Matthew I. Lanzetta-Vargo |
| Troop L | Reading | Tyler Elsdon |
| Troop L | Reading | Eliezer A. Hernandez |
| Troop L | Reading | Brandon W. Knapp |
| Troop L | Reading | Joseph L. Kuria |
| Troop L | Reading | Keeshawn O. McNeill |
| Troop L | Reading | Luke T. Myers |
| Troop L | Reading | Nicklaus L. Payne |
| Troop M | Bethlehem | Gunner L. Jankouskas |
| Troop M | Bethlehem | Jake T. Sabino |
| Troop M | Bethlehem | Everett J. Vergona |
| Troop M | Bethlehem | Jackson J. Wydra |
| Troop M | Bethlehem | Steven T. Young |
The new troopers will report to their assigned troops on Monday, August 31, 2026.