HYDE PARK – Twenty-four members of the Dutchess County Deputy Sheriff’s PBA Explorer Post 108 received their graduation certificates for the 2021-2022 year at a ceremony at Rogers Point Boat Club on the Hudson River.
PBA President Ryan Griffin welcomed more than 100 friends and family members along with Sheriff Kirk Imperati and Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver to the event that recognized the cadets, ranging in age from 14 to 20 for the successful completion of another year. “This year saw the return of many second and third-year cadets, along with new faces. Together, the cadets faced new and exciting challenges, individually and as a group, and did so with great determination,” Griffin said.
Cadet Sergeant Sandra Ksar learned of the program from her Roosevelt High School SRO, Officer Stallone. “Joining this program was one of the best decisions I have ever made,” she said. Ksar is also a member of the Roosevelt Fire Department in Hyde Park and several department members were in the audience to show support. Ksar plans to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Sheriff Imperati joined Deputy Joe Wasilewski, the program coordinator, in presenting the cadets with their certificates, including special recognition for a few of the corps. Wasilewski received accolades from the sheriff and his colleagues for coordinating the events and training for the group with deputies who all volunteered their time to the Explorers. Imperati told the cadets “We’re all very proud of you.”
The PBA received a grant from the Dutchess County Learn, Play, Create program and used it to buy equipment for the class. “We will certainly look to provide additional funding for the Explorers Post because of its tremendous success,” Chairman Pulver told the crowd.
Cadets who completed the 2021-2022 Explorer class:
- Colin Berry – also received the “Top Cadet” award
- Cadet Nicholas Cruz
- Cadet Nicholas DeRose
- Cadet Emilia Fanelli
- Cadet Sgt. Sandra Ksar also received the “Physical Fitness” award
- Cadet Afia Lazaro
- Cadet Nicholas Mauro
- Cadet Nicholas Milligan
- Cadet Pedro Miranda-Hernandez
- Cadet Austin Mora
- Cadet Matthew Pagliuca
- Cadet Brianna Perez-Sample
- Cadet Aiden Plass
- Cadet Adrianna Ramirez
- Cadet Mia Ramsey – also received the “Service” award and has enlisted in the US Army
- Cadet Kieran Read – also received the “Top Academic” award
- Cadet Brayden Rotundo
- Cadet Sgt. Chase Russell – also received the “Esprit de Corp” award
- Cadet Bryan Sagastume
- Cadet Patrick Sample
- Cadet Jordan Smith
- Cadet Sgt. Kayleigh Soricelli
- Cadet Blake Stabile – also received the “Physical Fitness” award
- Cadet Lt. John Tornello
Additional information on the Dutchess County Deputy Sheriff’s PBA Explorer program, including applications, can be found here.
