Harrisburg, PA – Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, today announced the promotions of five members to the rank of captain and a sixth to the rank of lieutenant. All were recognized at a promotion ceremony on August 2.
Nicholas A. Cortes Promoted to Captain
Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Nicholas A. Cortes to captain and assigned him as director of the Internal Affairs Division, Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards. Captain Cortes most recently served as station commander at Troop R, Blooming Grove.
A native of Spokane, Washington, Captain Cortes enlisted in the State Police in 2002. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop K, Media. As he progressed through the ranks, he served in Troops F, K, L, M, N, P, R and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Captain Cortes was promoted to corporal in 2014, sergeant in 2017, and lieutenant in 2021. He holds a bachelor’s degree from King’s College. He also graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, earning a graduate certificate from the University of Virginia in Criminal Justice Education.
Travis W. Doebler Promoted to Captain
Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Travis W. Doebler to captain and assigned him as commanding officer of Troop F. Captain Doebler most recently served as the Patrol Section commander of Troop F.
A native of Hughesville, Lycoming County, Captain Doebler enlisted in the State Police in 2005. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to the Patrol Unit in Troop F, Coudersport. He also worked in the Patrol units of Troop F, Mansfield, and Montoursville. As he progressed through the ranks, Captain Doebler served as a Patrol corporal in Troop F, Lamar, and Montoursville stations. He was then promoted to sergeant and served as the Patrol Section supervisor at Montoursville and station commander of Troop F, Milton. He was promoted to corporal in 2015, sergeant in 2018, and lieutenant in 2021.
Captain Doebler graduated from Hughesville High School and the Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Hardeep S. Rai Promoted to Captain
Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Hardeep S. Rai to captain and assigned him as assistant director of the Bureau of Patrol. Captain Rai most recently served as Patrol Section commander at Troop K, Philadelphia.
A native of London, England, Captain Rai enlisted in the State Police in 2008. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop M, Dublin. As he progressed through the ranks, he served in Troops H, K, and M, the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement, and the Bureau of Patrol. He was promoted to corporal in 2014, sergeant in 2016, and lieutenant in 2020.
Captain Rai is a graduate of the University at Albany and a 2018 graduate of the Northwestern University, School of Police Staff and Command.
George R. Ritchey Promoted to Captain
Colonel Christopher Paris promoted George R. Ritchey to captain and assigned him as assistant director of the Bureau of Communications and Information Services. Captain Ritchey most recently served as section commander of the bureau’s Operational Technology Services.
A native of Bakers Summit, Bedford County Captain Ritchey enlisted in the State Police in 2003. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop F, Selinsgrove. As he progressed through the ranks, he served in various positions in Troop F and the Bureau of Communication and Information Services. He was promoted to corporal in 2008, sergeant in 2016, and lieutenant in 2019.
Captain Ritchey is a 1998 graduate of Northern Bedford County High School and the Allegany College of Maryland.
David Surra Promoted to Captain
Colonel Christopher Paris promoted David Surra to captain and assigned him as commanding officer of Troop A, Greensburg. Captain Surra most recently served as commander of the Criminal Investigation Section at Troop G, Hollidaysburg.
A native of Kersey, Pennsylvania, Captain Surra enlisted in the State Police in 2006. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop F, Coudersport. As he progressed through the ranks, he served in Troops G, F, E, and C. He was promoted to corporal in 2013, sergeant in 2016, and Lieutenant in 2020.
Captain Surra is a graduate of Jamestown Business College and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. His son Dilen is a veteran of the United States Air Force and is currently a cadet in the 170th Pennsylvania State Police Academy class.
Lacy Roane Promoted to Lieutenant
Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Lacy Roane to Lieutenant and assigned him as Eastern Section commander in the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement. Lieutenant Roane most recently served as office commander at BGE-Rivers Casino.
A native of Philadelphia, Lieutenant Roane enlisted in the State Police in 2011. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop K, Philadelphia. As he progressed through the ranks, he proudly served in Troops K, J, N, and the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement. He was promoted to corporal in 2017 and sergeant in 2019.
Kaitlin C. Frantz Promoted to Bureau Administrative Manager
Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Kaitlin C. Frantz to Bureau Administrative Manager, Bureau of Research and Development.
Mrs. Frantz began her career with the Pennsylvania State Police in 2008 as a Clerk 2 at Troop H, Carlisle Station. In August 2012, she transferred to the UCR Unit within the Bureau of Research and Development, where she was promoted to Clerk 3 within the same unit. In July 2013, she was promoted to police communications operator at Carlisle Station, where she served for six years. In November 2019, she returned to Research and Development as an Administrative Assistant 1 within the Accreditation Unit. She was promoted to her current position in September 2023.
Mrs. Frantz is a 2006 graduate of the University of Vermont with a bachelor's degree in fisheries and wildlife biology.
David P. Sottile Promoted to Administrative Officer 1
Colonel Christopher Paris promoted David P. Sottile to Administrative Officer 1 and assigned him as Bureau Administrative Manager in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
A native of Upper Darby, Delaware County, Mr. Sottile began his career with the Pennsylvania State Police in July 2016 as a Clerk Typist 2 in the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement. In 2018, he was promoted to Administrative Assistant 1 at BGE.
Julia L. Rider Promoted to Troop Administrative Manager
Colonel Christopher Paris promoted Julia L. Rider to Troop Administrative Manager at Troop F, Montoursville Headquarters.
A native of Hughesville, Lycoming County, Mrs. Rider began her career with the Pennsylvania State Police in 1988 as a Clerk Typist 2 at Troop F, Montoursville. In 2011, she was promoted to Clerk Typist 3 within the Troop F Clerical Unit.
Mrs. Rider is a 1985 graduate of Hughesville High School. In 1987, she earned an associate degree in specialized business from the Williamsport School of Commerce.