The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced 27 recruits graduated from the from the 15th Basic School of the New York State Park Police Academy.

“We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment in all of our State Parks, and our State Park Police are the key to making it possible,” said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “We look forward to these officers joining the ranks of our State Park Police, and providing friendly, professional, and lifesaving services at our parks year-round.”

“My congratulations to our State Park Police Academy graduates,” said David Page,  Director of State Park Police. “The path ahead will be challenging but rewarding. I look forward to working with new officers as we continue to protect the millions of people who visit our beautiful parks and historic sites.”

The 27 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, emergency vehicle operation and a wide variety of other law enforcement related topics.

The following graduates received special recognition awards:

• Officer Steven P. Latulipe of Carthage, NY, the recipient of the Leadership Award.
  
  
• Officer Anthony M. Petrosky of Albany, NY, the recipient of the Academic Achievement Award.

• Officer Stephen P. Latulipe of Carthage, NY, the recipient of the Physical Fitness Award.

• Officer Daniel E. McCarthy of Selden, 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. New York State Park Police work year-round to protect State Park visitors and people throughout the State, including patrolling state parks, historic sites and campgrounds; tapping their specialized training to respond to extreme weather emergencies; assisting State and local police agencies in criminal investigations; and providing enforcement and education on New York State’s waterways and snowmobile trails

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 71 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generate $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.

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