Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently congratulated 28 graduates from the 14th Basic School of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Police Academy. The 28 recruits completed a six-month residential training program at the State Park Police Academy in Rensselaerville, Albany County. Training consisted of classroom education in criminal procedure law, penal law, vehicle and traffic law, park and recreation law, criminal investigations and a host of other police related topics. In addition, the recruits received hands-on training in firearms, first response, snowmobile operation, ATV operation, bicycle patrol, emergency vehicle operation and a wide variety of other law enforcement related topics.

"The members of the New York State Park Police are dedicated professionals who apply their specialized training to serve and protect New Yorkers at our natural treasures and across the state," Governor Cuomo said. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I offer my congratulations to these graduates and their families."

"State Park Police are crucial to a safe and welcoming State Park system," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. "Whether working amidst dense crowds at Jones Beach, or searching vast wilderness areas upstate or at Harriman or Letchworth in cold and snow, or keeping our youth safe at our large concert venues – State Park Police provide professional and friendly assistance and lifesaving services throughout all year round."

"Congratulations to our new State Park police officers," said State Parks Director of Park Police David Herrick. "Their training has prepared them for a challenging and rewarding career – protecting New York State’s system of parks and historic sites and the millions of people who visit them. I look forward to working with the new officers to provide an essential public service to the people of New York State."

The following graduates received special recognition awards:

• Officer Robert J. Farruggia of Ronkonkoma, NY, the recipient of the Leadership Award
• Officer Sean C. Harrigan of Canastota, NY, the recipient of the Academic Achievement Award
• Officer Jesse J. Caprotti of Malta, NY, the recipient of the Physical Fitness Award
• Officer Kyle F. Curry of Lowville, NY, the recipient of the Firearms Proficiency Award

The new officers will be assigned to regional commands throughout the state. They will begin a 10-week field training program where they will receive supervised training from senior officers, followed by assignment to patrol responsibilities.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation administers 180 parks and 36 state historic sites, which attract over 65 million visitors each year. For more information about state parks and historic sites in New York, please visit www.nysparks.com.

Names, hometowns and regional assignments of the graduating class appear below:

GRADUATE	HOMETOWN	INITIAL ASSIGNMENT
		DISTRICT	ZONE
Officer Jordan P. Baschnagel	Saugerties NY	Hudson Valley	Palisades
Officer Patrick M. Bastine	Holland, NY	Long Island/Metro	Long Island
Officer Dale A. Beckmann	Oyster Bay, NY	Long Island/Metro	Long Island
Officer Collin R. Brousseau	Philmont, NY	Hudson Valley	Palisades
Officer Jesse J. Caprotti	Malta, NY	Hudson Valley	Palisades
Officer Kyle F. Curry	Lowville, NY	Hudson Valley	Palisades
Officer Spencer M. DeWolfe	Elma, NY	Western	Niagara
Officer Alex DiSanto	New Hyde Park, NY	Long Island/Metro	Long Island
Officer Anthony M. DiTomasso	East Meadow, NY	Long Island/Metro	Long Island
Officer Luke M. Dolezel	Otego, NY	Long Island/Metro	New York City
Officer Robert J. Farruggia	Ronkonkoma, NY	Long Island/Metro	Long Island
Officer Derek J. Hanna	Malone, NY	Long Island/Metro	Long Island
Officer Sean C. Harrigan	Canastota, NY	Mid-State	Central
Officer Andrew L. Jarmusz	Alden, NY	Long Island/Metro	New York City
Officer Ashtin L. Jarmusz	Alden, NY	Long Island/Metro	Long Island
Officer William W. Johnson	Johnstown, NY	Hudson Valley	Palisades
Officer Christopher S. Kearney	Malta, NY	Long Island/Metro	New York City
Officer Lee S. Lurie	Ballston Spa, NY	Long Island/Metro	Long Island
Officer Nicholas M. Mehlrose	Wingdale, NY	Hudson Valley	Taconic
Officer Matthew J. Militello	Depew, NY	Hudson Valley	Palisades
Officer Mark R. Montanaro	Carmel, NY	Hudson Valley	Taconic
Officer Michael R. Petrino	Tonawanda, NY	Hudson Valley	Palisades
Officer Antonino P Restivo	Islip Terrace, NY	Long Island/Metro	New York City
Officer Vladimir Ryskin	East Amherst, NY	Long Island/Metro	New York City
Officer Russell J. Sircable	Greenville, NY	Hudson Valley	Palisades
Officer Ashley N. Stanley	Glens Falls, NY	Hudson Valley	Palisades
Officer Eric J. Thayer	Ellenville, NY	Hudson Valley	Palisades
Officer Scott C. Westfall	Copake, NY	Long Island/Metro	New York City