Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently congratulated 35 graduates from the 12th Basic School of the State Parks Police Academy, including a former Norwood resident.

Officer Adam M. Divincenzo of Norwood graduated and has been assigned to the Hudson Valley region, Palisades zone.

The new officers will be assigned to regional commands to serve in some of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation's 180 parks and 35 state historic sites, which attract more than 62 million visitors each year.

“Today we honor the commitment of 35 men and women who have stepped forward to serve New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “State Park Police Officers are committed to protecting millions of visitors to our parks, waterways and snowmobile trails and have a rich history of helping those in need. I congratulate these new law enforcement officers and welcome them to this noble organization.”

The 35 recruits 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, rope rescue and emergency vehicle operation.

The police officers will now begin a 10-week field training program at their regional command, where they will receive supervised training from senior officers, followed by patrol responsibilities.

For more information about state parks and historic sites in New York, please visit www.nysparks.com.