The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today announced 33 new graduates from the 20th Basic School of the Park Police Academy. These new officers will be assigned across the state to serve and protect visitors at New York's 250 state parks, historic sites and recreational facilities.

“Today, we recognize 33 new officers who have stepped up to protect the people of New York,” New York State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said. “Graduation from the Academy marks the beginning of a meaningful career in public service. We are proud to welcome these new officers to our Park Police ranks, where their dedication will help ensure a safe and welcoming experience for millions of visitors each year. Thank you to Governor Hochul and our law enforcement leadership for their ongoing support.”

Park Police Chief Michael Daddona said, “Congratulations to our 20^th class of Park Police officers. Your dedication and support from your families make this an extremely important day. I look forward to the next step as they learn from our dedicated New York State Park Police force. The new officers are not just entering a profession, they are joining a family of brothers and sisters who are dedicated to serving and protecting.”

Graduation was held today at the Hall of Springs at Saratoga Spa State Park. Recruits completed six months of residential training at the State Park Police Academy in Rensselaerville, Albany County.

Academy training prepares recruits for a challenging and rewarding career in law enforcement across New York’s diverse park system, including forests, waterways and trails. Each year, Park Police serve and protect millions of visitors from around the world.

Park Police officers protect millions of visitors annually and support a wide range of public activities and events, from concerts, festivals, and fireworks displays to organized recreation, educational programming, and large-scale statewide initiatives like First Day Hikes and I Love My Park Day. This year, they will also play a key role in supporting a number of events tied to the State’s Semiquincentennial commemorations.

Training includes classroom instruction in criminal and park law, investigations, and police procedures, along with hands-on instruction in firearms, emergency response, vehicle and off-road operations and other essential skills. Graduates will now begin a 10-week field training program under the supervision of experienced officers before transitioning to full patrol duties. 

The following graduates received special recognition awards:

• Officer Kevin Culhane of New Windsor, NY, Leadership Award
• Officer Justin Atristain of East Elmhurst, NY, Academic Achievement Award
• Officer Dylan Doskocil of Staten Island, NY, Physical Fitness Award
• Officer Casey Dailey of Goshen, NY, Firearms Proficiency Award

Effective May 1, 2026, the members listed below will be assigned in the Districts and Zones as indicated to complete Supervised Field Training. Upon successful completion of the Division’s Supervised Field Training Program, they will report to their Post Field Training Assignment Zone. Supervised Field Training begins the week of May 4, 2026.

Name (Hometown)                                               Post Field Training Assigned Zone

Justin Atristain (East Elmhurst)                               New York City

Tanner Barahona (West Hempstead)                        Saratoga

Paola Calderone (Smithtown)                                  New York City

Samantha Caracci (Deer Park)                                New York City

Michael Cavallone (Glen Cove)                                Saratoga

John Christian (Pleasant Valley)                              Taconic

Joshua Collins (Levittown)                                      New York City

Kevin Culhane (New Windsor)                                 Saratoga

Casey Dailey (Goshen)                                           Palisades

Dylan Doskocil (Staten Island)                                Palisades

Jacob Dunn (Warwick)                                            Allegany

Maritza Duy (Corona)                                             Saratoga

Nicholas Foglia Kellner (Buffalo)                              Niagara

Ethan Frederick (Baldwinsville)                               Central

Samuel French (Castile)                                         Central

Dylan Giblin (East Meadow)                                    Central

Mary Haley (Great Valley)                                       Allegany

Kevin Inman (Kings Park)                                       Long Island

Isaac Johnson (Bronx)                                           Genesee

James Krawczyk Jr. (Orchard Park)                          Niagara

Grace Kritz (West Seneca)                                      Niagara

Bryan Lopez-Gonzalez (Monsey)                             Taconic

Anthony Martinez (Garnerville)                               Genesee

Jack Miller (Elma)                                                  Allegany

Damon Potter (Port Crane)                                     Thousand Islands

Christopher Rivera (Haverstraw)                             New York City

Michael Siu (Cortlandt Manor)                                Taconic

Jacob Solano (New York City)                                 Central

Aaron Spoor (Weedsport)                                       Finger Lakes

Michael Tavolacci (Long Beach)                               Long Island

Dylan Trabosh (Kings Park)                                    Long Island

Heather Tuohy (East Northport)                              Genesee

Dylan Uniacke (East Meadow)                                New York City

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, and welcomes over 86 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.