The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) welcomed 33 new graduates from the 20th Basic School of the Park Police Academy. Graduation was held last week 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. 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 20th 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.”
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.
