WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) his week hosted its annual department awards ceremony at LCBC Manheim to recognize the heroism and exceptional work of dedicated personnel who helped to keep Pennsylvania communities safe last year.
Among the honorees was Lieutenant James Wagner, of Troop G, Bedford, who was critically injured by a gunman who opened fire at the Lewistown Station before fatally shooting Trooper Jacques F. “Jay” Rougeau on June 17, 2023.
Lieutenant Wagner, a 21-year veteran of the PSP, received the Pennsylvania State Police Purple Heart and Trooper of the Year Award for risking his life to stop the Mifflintown gunman. He was shot while courageously coordinating a high-risk response that aided in locating and ultimately eliminating the armed suspect.
Five people traveling in the area where Lieutenant Wagner was shot received the Outstanding Citizenship Award for jumping into action to help save his life. The citizens administered CPR and other critical aid until emergency medical services arrived.
Working tirelessly behind the scenes during the Juniata County incident, Police Communications Operator (PCO) Amy Torres received the PCO of the Year Award for her ability to provide immediate updates and support for responding members. She simultaneously fielded calls from both PSP and the public to keep everyone informed and safe.
“While June 17, 2023, was marred by tragedy, these award recipients demonstrated valor, bravery, composure, and selflessness to neutralize the threat and prevent further loss of life,” said PSP Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris. “I am deeply grateful for these individuals and all of this year’s awardees for their dedicated efforts to go above and beyond their duties to help protect the Commonwealth.”
Other award recipients included:
• Trooper Logan C. Spiece, Troop F, Milton, who received the Pennsylvania State Police Purple Heart. On April 12, 2023, Trooper Spiece was shot in the leg by a domestic violence suspect during a foot pursuit. Despite being injured, Trooper Spiece returned fire, effectively stopping the suspect.
• Trooper Joshua W. Osche, Troop D, Butler, received the Commendation Medal. While off-duty on August 24, 2023, Trooper Osche assisted a disabled motorist and was struck by a vehicle. A witness who saw the crash, Blair Johnson, dragged Trooper Osche off the road to safety and stabilized him until emergency medical services arrived. Trooper Osche suffered severe injuries and underwent multiple surgeries as well as intense physical therapy to regain his ability to serve the public. Mr. Johnson received the Outstanding Citizenship Award for his selfless actions.
• Motor Carrier Enforcement Supervisor (MCES) Mitchell J. Scalia received the 2023 Motor Carrier Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. After recently retiring with more than 34 years of experience, MCES Scalia was one of the highest-producing enforcement officers in Pennsylvania, playing an integral role in leading Troop G’s Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.
• Bureau Administrative Manager Shana M. Skiles, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, received Employee of the Year. Throughout 2023, Mrs. Skiles stepped up and wore many hats to balance managing tasks for both the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
• Lieutenant Matthew J. Bonin, Bureau of Criminal Investigation; Corporal Caleb Diaz, Troop K, Media; and Trooper First Class Dana Martini, Troop G, Hollidaysburg, received Commissioner’s Letters of Commendation for demonstrating exemplary conduct in service. On November 3, 2023, they worked together diligently to locate a missing 84-year-old man and bring him home safely.
Commissioner’s Area Command Significant Achievement Awards were presented to a group of personnel within each area command for an accomplishment that clearly distinguished them and enhanced the prestige of the department:
• The Area I recipients are members of the Troop E, Erie Criminal Investigation Section and Major Case Team. They led an extensive homicide investigation resulting in an arrest and the discovery of the victim’s remains that may have otherwise never been found.
• The Area II recipients are members of the Troop H Criminal Investigation Section. Their investigative efforts helped identify a homicide victim who was found nearly 10 years earlier, uncovered details of the killing and ultimately led them to the suspects.
• The Area III recipients are members of Troop R, Dunmore Criminal Investigation Unit and Troop R Major Case Team. Their investigative work tracked down the gunman who fatally shot a 34-year-old at a dance club.
• The Area IV recipients are members of the Troop J, Vice/Narcotics Unit and their local investigative partners who conducted a months-long investigation that took down a large drug trafficking organization.
For more information about the Pennsylvania State Police, visit www.psp.pa.gov.
Pa. State Police open hiring cycle in search of new troopers
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) this week opened a new application cycle for women and men considering a rewarding career in public service as a state trooper.
Last year, at the direction of Gov. Josh Shapiro, PSP suspended its educational requirement of 60 college credits. Since then, PSP has seen a huge uptick in qualified applicants, with the latest application period from May 8 to Aug. 20 yielding 1,743 applications over a four month period.
During the last hiring cycle with the college credit requirement in 2023, PSP received 1,374 eligible applications over six months. PSP has received nearly 9,000 applicants to become a state trooper during entirety of the Shapiro Administration.
“We’re looking for individuals who strive to succeed beyond the challenges of their surroundings,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “If you want to help and serve others, are willing to work hard for the betterment of your community, and hold yourself to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, consider joining our ranks as a Pennsylvania state trooper.”
Applications should be submitted via the Commonwealth’s employment website by Nov. 27. Applicants who meet all eligibility requirements move on to a qualifying written examination. Applicants who pass the written exam must successfully complete a polygraph examination, background investigation, physical readiness test, medical screening, and psychological screening before training at the academy.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. They must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the training academy. Cadets must be a Pennsylvania resident and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license at the time of graduation.
Cadet training lasts approximately 28 weeks and includes formal coursework in Pennsylvania’s crimes and vehicle codes, physical fitness activities, and training in police vehicles, firearms, and equipment. Cadets also receive training in military courtesy, platoon formation, drills, and formal inspections.
Upon completion of the training academy, cadets are promoted to trooper and receive an increase in salary, currently set at $66,911 annually.
The 2024-25 Pennsylvania budget provides $16 million for four cadet classes, supporting PSP’s mission to protect the safety of Pennsylvania communities and residents
State awards more than $33M to 12 community colleges for capital projects and renovations
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) this week awarded more than $33 million to 12 community colleges to assist with funding current short-term and long-term debt service projects, capital leases, and cash capital projects approved by the Commonwealth.
“The Shapiro Administration is committed to reversing decades of disinvestment in our post-secondary education system, and this grant funding will help Pennsylvania’s community colleges update buildings, make improvements, and better serve learners on their campuses,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “Investments like this, combined with a focus on access and affordability, will have a real impact on learners both today and in the years to come.”
• Luzerne County Community College was awarded $149,023 for a campus waterline replacement to support a $457,635 infrastructure project that will replace a waterline on the lower part of the campus.
“We appreciate the robust support of Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid Mumin for improving critical water infrastructure on the Luzerne County Community College campus,” said LCCC President John Yudichak. “With the assistance of its funding partners, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the County of Luzerne, Luzerne County Community College is committed to our mission of promoting student success and serving our communities by being the largest, most accessible, and best quality institution of higher education in northeastern Pennsylvania.”
Statewide, eligible projects included: new facilities to serve emerging or current growth populations and/or to meet high priority workforce facility needs; major repairs and critical deferred maintenance; renovations to and replacement of existing aging facilities, which no longer meet programmatic demands; and ADA compliance projects based on a formal action plan, code compliance and life safety repairs.
Gov. Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget invests nearly $60 million to make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable to Pennsylvanians, with a $35.1 million increase for Pennsylvania State System universities, a $15.7 million increase for community colleges, and an additional $143 million to PHEAA to make college more affordable for PA students, including: a $54 million increase for student grants, a $5 million increase for disadvantaged students’ scholarships, a $36 million increase for the Ready to Succeed Scholarship and expanded criteria to increase the number of eligible students, and $25 million for the new Grow PA Scholarship Program.
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