Manheim, PA – Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), welcomed 47 new troopers today during a graduation ceremony at LCBC Manheim. The 176th Cadet Class completed approximately 27 weeks of rigorous training at the PSP Academy to earn 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,” said Lieutenant Colonel Bivens. “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.”
Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis continue to aid PSP’s mission to protect the safety of Pennsylvania communities by securing $16.2 million in the 2026-27 state budget to support four additional cadet classes, approximately 380 troopers.
Since taking office, the Shapiro-Davis Administration has secured funding for 16 cadet classes to train over 1,600 new PSP Troopers. To date, 673 cadets have graduated and joined the ranks of PSP under Governor Shapiro’s leadership.
The 176th Cadet Class is the sixth class to complete the PSP Academy without a college credit requirement for the position of trooper. The Shapiro-Davis Administration eliminated the college requirement for applicants in August of 2023. As a result, the PSP saw a 69% increase in applicants in 2025 compared to 2022, when the college credit requirement was still in place.
During the ceremony, five cadets received special awards and recognition:
- Levi J. Wallace: American Legion Award for all-around academic, physical, ethical, and moral qualifications; Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award for the highest level of academic achievement in the class.
- Gunnar H. Frankenfield: Gesford High Pistol Award for the highest score on the department’s pistol qualification course.
- Tyler Elsdon: Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award for exemplifying the qualities of leadership.
- Brandon W. Knapp: John K. Schafer Memorial Award for the highest combined score on a series of physical skills tests.
- Briar W. Kentzel: Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award for the highest proficiency in driver safety training.
The new troopers will report to the following troops on Monday, August 31, 2026:
Troop A Greensburg (2)
Raymond Dupilka, III
Levi J. Wallace
Troop B, Washington (3)
Eric J. Bell
Cameron A. Nicholls
Brady J. Sigut
Troop C, Punxsutawney (2)
Matthew R. Luketich
Tanner J. Sidehamer
Troop D, Butler (1)
Thomas R. Dzadovsky
Troop E, Erie (4)
Nathaniel S. Cristini
Gunnar H. Frankenfield
Briar W. Kentzel
Mark A. Minjock
Troop F, Montoursville (9)
Lance D. Book
Drew R. Evanko
Evan D. Groce
Darren A. Hall
Danni L. Kehl
Shane D. Miller
Owen M. Sabol
Shane C. Stark
Cassandra L. Vaughn
Troop H, Harrisburg (7)
Tyler J. Adams
Jason A. Collier, Jr.
Trevor S. Gallagher
Tyler M. Hubbard
Mason K. Jones
Grant A. Terwilliger
Daniel A. Thellman
Troop J, Lancaster (6)
Lucero Castillo
Caleb A. Filson
David A. Kelly, Jr.
Tylan A. Renno
Julian M. Saunders
Luis H. Sirlopu-Lopez
Troop K, Philadelphia (1)
Matthew I. Lanzetta-Vargo
Troop L, Reading (7)
Tyler Elsdon
Eliezer A. Hernandez
Brandon W. Knapp
Joseph L. Kuria
Keeshawn O. McNeill
Luke T. Myers
Nicklaus L. Payne
Troop M, Bethlehem (5)
Gunner L. Jankouskas
Jake T. Sabino
Everett J. Vergona
Jackson J. Wydra
Steven T. Young
PSP’s latest hiring cycle is open until September 30, 2026. Those interested in becoming a state trooper can find application requirements, job benefits, and other details at PATrooper.com.
For more information about the Pennsylvania State Police, visit the PSP website.