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State Police Announce 23 Commissioned Officer Promotions

09/07/2023

Contact: Lt. Adam Reed or Myles Snyder, ra-pspcomm@pa.gov

Harrisburg, PA – Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, announced the promotions of two Members to the rank of Major, seven to the rank of Captain, and 14 to the rank of Lieutenant. All were recognized at promotion ceremonies on September 7.

William A. Brown promoted to Major

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted William A. Brown to the rank of Major. Major Brown is currently assigned as the Executive Director of the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission.

A native of Nanticoke, Luzerne County, Major Brown most recently served as Director of the Bureau of Communications and Information Services and as Assistant Director of the Bureau of Records and Identification.

Major Brown enlisted in the State Police in 1998. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop F, Montoursville. As he progressed through the ranks, he served in Troops F, P and K, the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement, and the Executive and Administrative Offices.

During his career, he served as a Patrol and Crime Supervisor in Troop P; the special projects Sergeant in Troop K; the Gaming Office Commander at Sugarhouse Casino in Philadelphia; Executive Officer to the Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Professional Responsibility; and Director of the Equality and Inclusion Office.

Major Brown was promoted to Corporal in 2005, Sergeant in 2009, Lieutenant in 2016, Captain in 2018, and Major in 2022.

Major Brown is a 1993 graduate of John S. Fine High School in Nanticoke, a 1997 graduate of Kings College with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a 1998 graduate of Lackawanna Junior College Act 120 program, and a 2016 graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command.

Christopher Jones promoted to Major

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Christopher Jones to Major and assigned him as Director of the Department Discipline Office.

A native of Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Major Jones most recently served as Director of the Internal Affairs Division, Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards.

Major Jones enlisted in the State Police in 2001. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop J, Avondale.

As he progressed through his career, he served in various Patrol and Criminal Investigation units in Troops J and H. He also served as Executive Officer to the Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Professional Responsibility and as Executive Officer to the Deputy Commissioner of Operations. He also served in the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Systems and Process Review Division, and the Internal Affairs Division.

Major Jones was promoted to Corporal in 2011, Sergeant in 2016, Lieutenant in 2018, and Captain in 2021.

Major Jones graduated from Shenandoah Valley High School, attended Laramie College, and served in the United States Air Force. Major Jones is also a graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command. 

James Curto promoted to Captain

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted James Curto to Captain and assigned him as the Director of the Drug Law Enforcement Division, Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

A native of Queens, New York, Captain Curto most recently served as the Criminal Investigation Section Commander at Troop N, Hazleton.

Captain Curto enlisted in the State Police in 2000. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop K, Skippack. As he progressed through the ranks, he served in Troops K, N, and the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division.

He was promoted to Corporal in 2011, Sergeant in 2013, and Lieutenant in 2017.

Gregory J. Emery promoted to Captain

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Gregory J. Emery to Captain and assigned him to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards.

A native of Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Captain Emery most recently served as the Station Commander at Troop M, Fogelsville.

Captain Emery enlisted in the State Police in 1999.  Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop M, Bethlehem. As he progressed through his career, he served in Troop M as a Patrol Trooper and a Patrol Supervisor. He was a member of the Troop M Vice Unit and the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division-East.

Captain Emery graduated from Moravian College in 1991, and the Allentown Municipal Police Academy in 1993. He served as a Perkasie Borough Police Officer from 1993 to 1999.

Girard M. Hughes promoted to Captain

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Girard M. Hughes Captain and assigned him as the Assistant Director, Bureau of Records and Identification.

A native of Selinsgrove, Snyder County, Captain Hughes most recently served as the Commander of the Operational Technology Services Section, Bureau of Communications and Information Services.

Captain Hughes enlisted in the State Police in 1993. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop N, Swiftwater. As he progressed through the ranks, he served as a Corporal in Troop H, Chambersburg, and various stations throughout Troop F. He served as a Sergeant in Troop E, Erie; Troop E, Franklin; Troop F, Selinsgrove; and the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards.

Captain Hughes was promoted to Corporal in 2011, Sergeant in 2015, and Lieutenant in 2019.

Captain Hughes is a graduate of Selinsgrove Area High School. He then attended Drexel University while studying chemical engineering.

Cara J. McCree promoted to Captain

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Cara J. McCree to Captain and assigned her as the Assistant Director of the Department Discipline Office. 

The Altoona native most recently served as the Advanced/Regional Training Section Commander in the Bureau of Training and Education.

Captain McCree enlisted in the State Police in 2001. Upon graduation from the Academy, she was assigned to Troop K, Philadelphia. 

As she progressed through her career, Captain McCree served in Troops K, J, and H, and the Bureau of Training and Education.

Captain McCree holds a Bachelor of Science degree in administration of justice from Pennsylvania State University. She is also a graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command.

Jessie D. Romanchick promoted to Captain

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Jessie D. Romanchick to Captain and assigned him as Executive Officer to the Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Professional Responsibility.

The Scranton native most recently served as Intake Section Commander of the Internal Affairs Division, Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards.

Captain Romanchick enlisted in the State Police in 2007. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop K, Philadelphia.

As he progressed through his career, Captain Romanchick served in Troops, K, N, and R, and Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, holding various positions.

Captain Romanchick was promoted to Corporal in 2013, Sergeant in 2017, and Lieutenant 2021.

Captain Romanchick is a United States Army veteran. He graduated from the Lackawanna College Municipal Police Academy in 1999 and served as a Scranton City Police Officer prior to enlisting with the State Police. Captain Romanchick is also a 2022 graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command.

Captain Romanchick currently attends Penn State University, where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. 

Dustin C. Shireman promoted to Captain

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Dustin C. Shireman to Captain and assigned him as Executive Officer to the Deputy Commissioner of Staff. 

A native of Marietta, Lancaster County, Captain Shireman most recently served as the Staff Services Section Commander at the Bureau of Training and Education.

Captain Shireman enlisted in the State Police in 2007. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop J, Lancaster.

As he progressed through the ranks, Captain Shireman served in various patrol, staff, criminal investigation, and instructor positions within Troop J and the Bureau of Training and Education.  

Captain Shireman was promoted to Corporal in 2015, Sergeant in 2017, and Lieutenant in 2021.

He is a graduate of Donegal High School and Shippensburg University.

Todd Witalec promoted to Captain

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Todd Witalec to Captain and assigned him as Commanding Officer of Troop T, Highspire.

The Philadelphia native most recently served as Station Commander at Troop H, Gettysburg.

Captain Witalec enlisted in the State Police in 1994. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop L, Schuylkill Haven.

During his tenure with the Department, Captain Witalec served as a Corporal in Troop H and as a Sergeant in the Bureau of Patrol and in Troops C and H. Throughout his career, he has served in various capacities including Patrol, Crime, Staff Services, Bureaus, as well as nearly a decade on the Governor's Security Detail.

Captain Witalec was promoted to Corporal in 2008, Sergeant in 2013, and Lieutenant in 2019.

He is a 1988 graduate of Pocono Mountain High School and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

Captain Witalec obtained a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Moravian College in 1992 and is a 2016 graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command.

Matthew J. Bonin promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Matthew J. Bonin to Lieutenant and assigned him as the Coordinator of the Cellular Analysis Technician Unit within the Special Investigations Division of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. 

A native of Patton, Cambria County, Lieutenant Bonin most recently served as Commander of the Operational Technology Services Section within the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. 

Lieutenant Bonin enlisted in the State Police in 2007. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. As he progressed through his career, he served in Troops H and G, and the Bureau of Communications and Information Services.

Lieutenant Bonin graduated from Cedarville University in 2006.

Patrick D. Bouch promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Patrick D. Bouch to Lieutenant and assigned him Station Commander of Troop A, Greensburg.

A native of Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County, Lieutenant Bouch enlisted in the State Police in 2007. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg.

As he progressed through the ranks, Lieutenant Bouch served in Troops A, B, and H; the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement; and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Drug Law Enforcement Division.

Lieutenant Bouch was promoted to Corporal in 2016 and Sergeant in 2019. As Sergeant, he served as Station Commander of Troop A, Somerset. Most recently, he was assigned to the Bureau of Patrol as Director of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Division.

Lieutenant Bouch holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command.

Tyler P. Burgess promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Tyler P. Burgess to Lieutenant and assigned him as the Director of the Policy and Program Services Division, Bureau of Research and Development. 

A native of Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County, Lieutenant Burgess most recently served as the Patrol Section Supervisor, Troop M, Bethlehem.

Lieutenant Burgess enlisted in the State Police in 2007. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop L, Reading.  

As he progressed through the ranks, he served in various patrol positions within Troops L, M, and K, and a bureau position with the Bureau of Research and Development.

Lieutenant Burgess was promoted to Corporal in 2013 and Sergeant in 2018. 

He is a graduate of Emmaus High School.

Jonathan R. Colarusso promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Jonathan R. Colarusso to Lieutenant and assigned him as Commander of the Professional Development Section, Bureau of Training and Education.

A native Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Lieutenant Colarusso most recently served as the Criminal Investigation Section Supervisor at Troop J, Lancaster.

Lieutenant Colarusso enlisted in the State Police in 2005. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop H, York. As he progressed through the ranks, he served in both Patrol and Criminal Investigation positions within Troops H and J.

Lieutenant Colarusso was promoted to Corporal in 2016 and Sergeant in 2021.

He graduated from Hempfield Area High School and is a 2005 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. 

Brad S. Fuhrer promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Brad S. Fuhrer to Lieutenant and assigned him as the Commander of the Advanced/Regional Section, Bureau of Training and Education.

A native of Waterford, Erie County, Lieutenant Fuhrer enlisted in the State Police in 1998. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop F, Montoursville.

As a Trooper, Lieutenant Fuhrer served in the Patrol and Criminal Investigation Units in Troops F and E. As he progressed through the ranks, he served as a Patrol Corporal at Troop J, Avondale, and Troop E, Girard. Upon promotion to Sergeant, he further served as the Criminal Investigation Section Supervisor, Troop C, Punxsutawney, and as the Station Commander at Troop C, Clarion.

Lieutenant Fuhrer was promoted to Corporal in 2011 and Sergeant in 2019.

He holds a Bachelors' Degree from Mercyhurst University in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement. 

Thomas R. Granville promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Thomas R. Granville to Lieutenant and assigned him as the Station Commander of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Division, Bureau of Patrol.

A native of Philipsburg, Centre County, Lieutenant Granville enlisted in the State Police in 1994.  Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop F, Lamar. 

As a Trooper, Lieutenant Granville also served in the Troop C, Mount Jewett Patrol Unit, the Troop C, Clearfield Patrol Unit, then as a Criminal Investigator in the Troop C, Clearfield Criminal Investigation Unit.

He was promoted to Corporal in 2011 and served in the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division; as a Patrol Unit Supervisor at Troop G, Bedford and Rockview Stations; the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Systems Process and Review; and Patrol Unit Supervisor at Troop C, Clearfield. 

He was promoted to Sergeant in 2021 and served as the Patrol Section Supervisor at Troop J, York; Station Commander at Troop C, Lewis Run; Station Commander at Troop C, Dubois; and most recently Station Commander at Troop C, Clearfield.

Lieutenant Granville is a 1986 graduate of Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School and attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

James R. Holstein promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted James R. Holstein, to Lieutenant and assigned him as the Eastern Commander of Systems Process Review, Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards.

A native of Springfield Township, Delaware County, Lieutenant Holstein most recently served as the Crime Section Supervisor of Troop K, Philadelphia.

Lieutenant Holstein enlisted in the State Police in 2004. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop K, Media. As a Trooper, Lieutenant Holstein served in the Patrol Unit and then as a Criminal Investigator.

As he progressed through the ranks, he was promoted to Corporal in 2012 and served in the Patrol Unit in Troop K, Philadelphia, and then as the Criminal Investigation Unit Supervisor at Troop K, Skippack. He then served as an internal affairs investigator with the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards.

He was promoted to Sergeant in 2020 and served as the Patrol Section Supervisor and then the Crime Section Supervisor at Troop K, Philadelphia.

Lieutenant Holstein is a 1998 graduate of Saint Joseph's University. He earned a master's degree in social psychology from Saint Joseph's University in 2001.

Lori B. Kistle promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Lori B. Kistle to Lieutenant and assigned her as the Community Affairs Section Commander in the Office of Community Engagement.

A native of Downingtown, Chester County, Lieutenant Kistle most recently served as an investigator in the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards.

Lieutenant Kistle enlisted in the State Police in 2009. Upon graduation from the Academy, she was assigned to Troop J, Embreeville.

As she progressed through her career, Lieutenant Kistle served in Troops R and M, and the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards.

Lieutenant Kistle graduated from West Chester University prior to enlisting with the Pennsylvania State Police. She holds a master's level certificate in addiction studies from Immaculata University.

Adam Kowalczyk promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Adam Kowalczyk to Lieutenant and assigned him as the Commander of the Records Management Section, Bureau Of Communications and Information Services.

A native of Harding, Luzerne County, Lieutenant Kowalczyk most recently served Station Commander of Troop N, Fern Ridge.

Lieutenant Kowalczyk enlisted in the State Police in 2006. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop R, Blooming Grove. As he progressed through his career, he served in Troops R, P, H, and N.

He was promoted to Corporal in 2012 and Sergeant in 2018.

Lieutenant Kowalczyk is a 1999 graduate of Wyoming Area High School and earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Wilkes University in 2003.

Kyle L. Kutz promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Kyle L. Kutz to Lieutenant and assigned him as the Director of the Operational Records Division, Bureau of Records and Identification.

A native of Pine Grove Township, Schuylkill County, Lieutenant Kutz enlisted with the State Police in 2008. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop J, Embreeville.

As a Trooper, Lieutenant Kutz served in Troops J, L, and at the Penn National Hollywood Casino, Bureau of Gaming Enforcement.

Lieutenant Kutz was promoted to Corporal in 2016 and Sergeant in 2018, serving in Troop J, Lancaster, and as the Administrative Division Supervisor, Bureau of Gaming Enforcement.

He is a 2005 graduate of Blue Mountain High School and a 2007 graduate of Lehigh Carbon Community College.

Lucas M. Lohrman promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Lucas M. Lohrman to Lieutenant and assigned him as the Station Commander of Troop N, Stroudsburg.

A native of Easton, Northampton County, Lieutenant Lohrman most recently served as the Station Commander of Troop M, Belfast.

Lieutenant Lohrman enlisted in the State Police in 2003. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop M, Dublin.

As he progressed through the ranks, Lieutenant Lohrman served in various Patrol Units within Troop M. He also served in the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division – Eastern Section.

Lieutenant Lohrman was promoted to Corporal in 2013 and to Sergeant in 2018.

He received a bachelor's degree in sociology from Moravian College.

Zachary T. Ryland promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Zachary T. Ryland to Lieutenant and assigned him as Commander of the Staff Services Section at Troop T, Highspire.

A native of Lebanon, Lebanon County, Lieutenant Ryland enlisted in the State Police in 2006. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop K, Philadelphia. As he progressed through the ranks, he served in Troops K, L, B, and T, and the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement.

Lieutenant Ryland was promoted to Corporal in 2016 and Sergeant in 2018.

He holds a bachelor's degree from West Chester University. 

Michael A. Sbardella promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Michael A. Sbardella to Lieutenant and assigned him as the Station Commander at Troop A, Somerset.

A native of Brush Valley Township, Indiana County, Lieutenant Sbardella most recently served as the Station Commander of Troop A, Ebensburg.

Lieutenant Sbardella enlisted in the State Police in 2004. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop H, Lykens. As he progressed through the ranks, he served at Troop A, Indiana, Somerset, and Ebensburg Stations, as well as Troop B, Uniontown.

He was promoted to Corporal in 2013 and to Sergeant in 2018.

Lieutenant Sbardella is a 2001 graduate of United High School and attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania for Criminology.

Nathan T. Trate promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Nathan T. Trate to Lieutenant and assigned him as the Assistant Director of the Municipal Police Officer's Education & Training Commission.

A native of Wyomissing, Berks County, Lieutenant Trate most recently served as the Criminal Investigation Section Supervisor at Troop L, Reading.

Lieutenant Trate enlisted in the State Police in 2007. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop L, Jonestown. As he progressed through his career, he served in Troops L and H, and the Bureau of Training and Education.

Lieutenant Trate graduated from Pennsylvania State University and served in the United States Navy.

Monica Akins promoted to Troop Administrative Manager

Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Monica Akins to Troop Administrative Manager at Troop M, Bethlehem.

A native of Carbon County, Akins began her career with the Pennsylvania State Police in 2012 as a Clerk Typist 2 at Troop P, Wyoming. In March of 2013, she transferred to Troop N, Lehighton, where she served as a Clerical Assistant 2 for 10 years.

In May of 2022, she was promoted to Clerical Assistant 3 and transferred to Troop M, Bethlehem. On April 1, 2023, she was promoted to her current position.

Akins is 1987 graduate of Marian High School in Tamaqua.

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