Lt. Col. George Bivens, acting commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), welcomed 47 new troopers on Aug. 21 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.

In addition to Bivens, the speakers at the ceremony were Maj. Gerard B. McShea, director of PSP's Bureau of Training and Education; PSP chaplain Donald H. Bender; and Cadet Levi J. Wallace.

The 2026-27 state budget includes $16.2 million to support four additional cadet classes, consisting of approximately 380 troopers.