CENTRE COUNTY — Every year, the Centre County District Attorney’s Office takes time to honor law enforcement professionals who’ve gone the extra mile to serve and protect. Nominated by the public, their peers and local agencies, these officers represent the very best of what it means to wear the badge in Centre County.
Here’s a look at this year’s nominees and the impact they’ve made on our communities:
LT. CHARLES HAMILTON — STATE COLLEGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
With nearly two decades of service, Lt. Charles Hamilton has become a trusted leader within the State College PD.
In 2024, he not only led the department’s detective unit, but also personally took on 79 incidents, 59 follow up investigations and 10 arrests himself. Hamilton balances a full caseload while mentoring officers and providing mental health support around the clock.
Hamilton serves on numerous countywide task forces, including the Centre County Threat Management and Negotiations teams, and oversees the department’s growing Social Worker Program. His guidance and tireless availability have made him a go-to resource across county agencies dealing with critical incidents and mental health calls.
OFFICER LISA LARKIN — BELLEFONTE POLICE DEPARTMENT
After making a name for herself with the Penn State University Police, Officer Lisa Larkin brought her skill and calm demeanor to Bellefonte PD.
In one case, her thoughtful handling of a domestic incident led to a confession without the victim needing to testify in court. More recently, she handled a DUI stop in Bellefonte involving a repeat offender with seven prior convictions.
Her patience and professionalism secured another conviction, adding an extra layer of safety to our streets.
TROOPER TYLER PRISK — PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
In 2024, Trooper Prisk responded to a barricaded suspect situation where he faced direct threats and the presence of a weapon. He kept his cool, de-escalated the situation and avoided what could have been a deadly outcome.
Known for leading the Rockview barracks in DUI arrests and logging the most trial appearances in Centre County, Prisk exemplifies what it means to protect and serve with courage and control.
DETECTIVE NICHOLAS SPROVERI — PENN STATE UNIVERSITY POLICE
Detective Sproveri is the kind of investigator who never stops digging.
His work has solved high-profile cases, including a 2018 fentanyl overdose and a reopened cold case from 2000 involving a rape on a Penn State golf course. Using modern genealogy testing and old-fashioned persistence, he helped track down and arrest a long-elusive suspect.
His casework is as meticulous as it is meaningful, offering justice to victims and closure to families.
OFFICER ELIJAH VARDZEL — PATTON TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
From leading a multi-agency human trafficking sting to administering lifesaving CPR and naloxone on emergency calls, Officer Vardzel is as hands-on as it gets.
He helped launch the Centre County Crash Reconstruction Team and continues to serve as a liaison with local businesses, making community safety his daily mission. Whether he’s working patrol or seeing an investigation through to the end, Vardzel brings tireless energy and dedication to every call.
These five officers remind us that behind every badge is a person committed to making Centre County a safer, stronger place. Their work, often unseen and always demanding, deserves our thanks — and our recognition.
