Harrisburg, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) Secretary Reggie McNeil and Pennsylvania Capitol Police Department (PA CPD) Superintendent Joe Jacob welcomed and swore in five new officers – the first hired through the PA CPD's Recruit Program that covers the cost of the police academy and Act 120 certification.
"The Department of General Services and Capitol Police Department are working to ensure we have the resources to protect the safety and well-being of our communities and workplaces," Secretary McNeil said. "I'm proud to say that our new approach to recruit officers has resulted in the largest group of new officers joining our ranks since before the pandemic."
The PA CPD Recruit Program enables successful candidates to attend the full-time Act 120 certification academy for six months, complete their officer field training, and become full-time PA Capitol Police Officers. This is the first time the PA CPD has implemented a program of this kind that includes covering the cost of the Act 120 certification, equipment, and other associated costs as part of the hiring process for an officer.
"The PA Capitol Police Department Recruit Program is opening the doors of opportunity to more Pennsylvanians to join our ranks while helping us fill vital jobs," Superintendent Jacob said. "I am excited about the results we are seeing – we've added five new officers through our initial announcement of the program; four more are currently in the July 2023 academy; and we're currently taking applications for the January 2024 academy."
The five officers sworn in today are:
- Officer Danielle Burger – Officer Burger is from Marysville, PA, and graduated from Susquenita High School. She attended Central Penn College, and before joining the PA Capitol Police Department, she was a legal assistant with McNees, Wallace & Nurick. She looks forward to serving the capitol and surrounding areas and creating a relationship of trust with the community.
- Officer Dylan Kimbar – Officer Kimbar is from Townsend, MA, and graduated from North Middlesex Regional High School. He has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. Before joining the PA Capitol Police Department, he served as a patrolman for the Portland Maine Police Department. He is looking forward to serving and assisting the Capitol community and being able to facilitate new and positive outreach programs within the community.
- Officer Cameron May – Officer May is from Newport, PA, and attended West Perry High School. He holds a bachelor's Degree from Shippensburg University and before joining the PA Capitol Police Department, he was a case worker with the Juniata County Children and Youth Office. He looks forward to learning different specialties within PA CPD and advancing his career while serving the community.
- Officer Nevin McCabe – Officer McCabe is from Mechanicsburg, PA, and graduated from Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School. Before joining the PA Capitol Police Department, he worked as a technician for the Baker Door Company. He looks forward to being able to serve and assist the Capitol area while growing his career and having a positive impact on the community.
- Officer Ryan Taylor – Officer Taylor is from Mechanicsburg, PA, and graduated from Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School. Before joining the PA Capitol Police Department, he worked at SPAR Firearms. He looks forward to serving the community and making a positive impact.
"I cannot overstate the value this program has on our ability to be more effective and efficient in our efforts to keep the Capitol Complex and state-owned facilities safe," Superintendent Jacob noted. "These new officers have a great opportunity to expand their skill sets, gain new experiences and be a part of an organization that recognizes their important role in protecting and serving our community."
Today's swearing-in ceremony brings the total of sworn officers in the PA CPD to 90.
The CPD Recruit Program is currently accepting applications through July 28, 2023, and will reopen from August 1 through August 30. All interested individuals are encouraged to apply. For more information on the PA Capitol Police, visit https://www.dgs.pa.gov/police.
About the Pennsylvania Capitol Police
The Pennsylvania Capitol Police is a nationally and domestically accredited law enforcement agency of approximately 90 officers with full arrest powers that investigates all reported crimes within its jurisdiction of state-owned properties and buildings in Harrisburg and Scranton. The force maintains a 24-hour/7-day week presence in Harrisburg, where they are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of those who work in and visit the Capitol Complex.
Contact: Troy Thompson, PA Capitol Police, tthompson@pa.gov
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