Cheryl Crayford of Heuvelton recently graduated from the state parks police academy.

“The graduation of the first Park Police Academy since 2008 marks an extremely special day for New York,” said Rose Harvey, recreation and historic preservation commissioner. “We’re thrilled that this first class since the great recession represents the beginning of the rebuilding of both the Park Police force and the entire parks system, which is due to Governor Cuomo’s exceptional leadership.”

The graduates completed a six-month residential training program at the State Park Police Academy in Rensselaerville, Albany County.

Training consisted of classroom education in criminal procedure law, penal law, vehicle and traffic law, park and recreation law, criminal investigations and a host of other police related topics.

In addition, the recruits received hands-on training in firearms, first response, snowmobile operation, basic boat operation, rope rescue and emergency vehicle operation.

It was the first academy held since 2008. The new officers will be assigned to regional commands throughout the state.

They will begin a 10-week field training program where they will receive supervised training from senior officers, followed by assignment to patrol responsibilities.