HARRISBURG PA – Five Pennsylvania State Police troopers, whose assigned coverage areas include portions of Montgomery, Berks, and Chester counties, have been promoted to the rank of sergeant, acting State Police Commissioner Lt. Col. George Bivens reports.
Another 15 troopers, also assigned to TriCounty region coverage, were promoted to the rank of corporal.
Bivens’ local announcements were part of a media release issued Friday (Jan. 30, 2026). Overall, the commissioner celebrated promotions of 25 sergeants and 74 corporals across the state’s 15 troops.
Promoted to Sergeant
Named as sergeants in Troop K, which in part covers Montgomery County, are troopers identified by name, the date of their earlier promotions to corporal, and year of enlistment. They are Sgt. Colin S. Carey, 2002, and 2017; and Sgt. Jordan L. Sonka, 2021, and 2013.
Earning sergeants’ promotions in Troop J, which in part covers Chester County, are Sgt. Jeffrey C. Aiello, 2016, and 2007; Sgt. Joseph W. Carlson, 2021, and 2013; and Sgt. Brian Maturo, 2019, and 2009.
Promoted to Corporal
In Troop L, which in part includes Berks County in its coverage area, five troopers were promoted to the rank of corporal. Their names, followed by the year of their enlistment, are Cpl. Erik R. Auffant, 2014; Cpl. Joseph W. Hall, 2012; Cpl. Ian P. Keck, 2014; Cpl. Thomas R Kirk Jr., 2019; and Cpl. Carl R. Nerthling, 2019.
Troop J in part includes Chester County in its coverage area. Promoted to corporal within its ranks were 10 troopers.
Their names are followed by their enlistment dates: Cpl. Seth G. Betancourt, 2017; Cpl. Ryan E. DeHaven, 2019; Cpl. Harold S. Fleming Jr., 2012; Cpl. Jarrett L. Harvey, 2013; Cpl. Noah H. Hunsinger, 2018; Cpl. Michael A. Levinsky, 2007; Cpl. Tyler J. Prisk, 2018; Cpl. Alexander J. Talmadge, 2016; Cpl. Travis M. VanKuren, 2015; and Cpl. Stephen A. Zoller, 2015.
Photo by George Sheldon on Deposit Photos, used under license
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