Pittsburgh Police Graduates Twenty-four New Officers from Basic Recruit Class 25-01
New officers begin field training in assigned zones throughout the city.
Pittsburgh, PA – On Thursday, January 29, 2026, twenty-four recruits from Basic Recruit Class 25-01 graduated from the Pittsburgh Police Training Academy. They have officially joined the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police following 34 weeks of intensive training that began last year.
Training Academy Director, Commander William Fleske, welcomed the graduates' family, friends, academy instructors, and command staff gathered at the One PNC Plaza building downtown. He congratulated them on their accomplishments in the academy and urged them to remain curious, keep learning, and to never stop working at their craft.
"Listen to your Field Training Officers. They are there to keep you safe. Keep an open mind and absorb as much knowledge and experience as you can," said Fleske.
In his first remarks to graduates as Acting Chief of the Bureau, Jason Lando reminded the new officers to act with integrity and show professionalism in every encounter, as their actions reflect on every officer who wears the Pittsburgh Police uniform. But, above all, he reminded them to always lead with empathy.
"Treat every member of the public the same way you would want a member of your own family treated in that same situation; with patience, with dignity, with respect," said Acting Chief Lando. "How you show up in those moments matters more than you may ever realize."
Acting Public Safety Director Sheldon Williams emphasized that the badge represents responsibility and trust rather than power. He noted, "What truly defines you as a police officer won’t be found in your training manuals. It will be found in your character when no one is watching, in your judgment when the pressure is high, and in your compassion."
Before administering the Oath of Office, Mayor Corey O'Connor thanked the recruits for their commitment to public safety.
"From now on, you're a representative of our great city and its values," Mayor O'Connor stated. "It is a great responsibility, but as you take care of our communities, the City of Pittsburgh and the Bureau of Police will be there for you."
Beginning Monday, February 2, the new officers will begin approximately 12 weeks of supervised field training.
Congratulations officers, and welcome to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police!
John Adams
Timothy Bateman
Christopher Beck
Ronald Behanna
Dante Collins
Carly Constantakis
Jonathan Fennick
Anastasia Fratanduono
Steven Giel
Jared Harbough
Tristin Houser
Seth Johnson
Griffin Loureiro
Riley O’Mara
Matthew Pollard
Gavin Reed
Ty Regan
David Scherrer
Dennis Turcinhodzic
Alicia Underkoffler
Jaylen Walters
Justin Wardman
Angelo Woodrow
Aston Young
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