Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey and Director of Law Enforcement Richard O’Donnell announce the graduation of 36 recruits from the 10^th Session of the New York State Park Police Academy.

“The graduation of the first Park Police Academy since 2008 marks an extremely special day for New York,” said Harvey. “We’re thrilled that this first class since the Great Recession represents the beginning of the rebuilding of both the Park Police force and the entire Parks system, which is due to Governor Cuomo’s exceptional leadership.”

“Congratulations to our new park police officers,” said O’Donnell. “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 36 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, basic boat operation, rope rescue, and emergency vehicle operation. It was the first academy held since 2008.

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 179 parks and 35 state historic sites, which attract over 60 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: