Sergeant Nicholas Sproveri of the Pennsylvania State University Police has been named Centre County's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, a recognition that underscores his remarkable 15-year career dedicated to justice and community safety. The award, presented by the Centre County District Attorney’s Office, marks a historic first for a Penn State police officer since the honor's inception in 2019.
On Thursday, July 24, 2025, at a ceremony held at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, District Attorney Bernie Cantorna praised Sproveri not only for his investigative acumen but also for his character, integrity, and empathy. "When I think about Nick and why this recognition is being made today, it is really about the person. It is about the character and integrity he brings to the job, and it is about that empathy," Cantorna remarked. "And you can see it in the cases and the people that he has worked with along the way." Penn State Police Chief Wes Sheets echoed these sentiments, highlighting Sproveri's dedication to victim advocacy and his collaborative spirit with other law enforcement agencies.
Sergeant Sproveri’s journey with the department began in 2010, where he has served in diverse roles including patrol and bicycle officer, member of the Centre County Tactical Response Team, and certified drone operator. His expertise has been instrumental in operations both locally and statewide, such as providing aerial support for the Little League World Series in Williamsport. With advanced training in cyber forensics, he became a certified cell phone forensics analyst, a skill that has significantly contributed to countywide investigations. Beyond his investigative duties, Sproveri serves as a Task Force Officer with the FBI and dedicates time as an instructor for the Centre County Camp Cadet CSI modules and the annual Citizens’ Police Academy.
One of the most notable highlights of Sproveri’s career is his pivotal role in reopening and solving a cold case from the year 2000. In 2021, he revisited the case of a 19-year-old student who was raped while jogging on the Penn State Golf Course. Recognizing the potential of emerging technologies, Sproveri collaborated with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan, where a similar assault had occurred in 1999. Utilizing modern genealogical testing and DNA evidence, his efforts led to the identification and arrest of Kurt Rilemma in 2023. Rilemma was convicted in the Michigan case and sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison earlier this year. Centre County prosecutors are preparing to extradite him for trial in Pennsylvania. Chief Sheets commended Sproveri's unwavering commitment, saying, "Thanks to Nick’s belief that justice has no expiration date and his bold use of emerging technologies, a cold case found new light and a victim was provided along the way to justice."
In addition to this cold case breakthrough, Sproveri’s investigative skills led to the arrest and conviction of an Allegheny County drug dealer responsible for supplying fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a Penn State sophomore in 2018. Through meticulous compilation and analysis of digital evidence, surveillance footage, and search warrants, he identified the dealer, Mr. Grover, who was charged with Drug Delivery Resulting in Death. The case ended with Grover receiving a prison sentence of 7½ to 19 years.
Another significant case from 2018 involved a disturbing invasion of privacy during a high school prom held at the Bryce Jordan Center. A student reported being secretly recorded in a restroom, prompting Sproveri to act swiftly. He identified the suspect, obtained a search warrant, and recovered extensive illicit content from the suspect’s phone. His coordinated efforts with multiple agencies uncovered 22 victims and led to 76 charges of Invasion of Privacy. This case not only solved a crime but also brought closure to numerous victims, exemplifying Sproveri’s dedication to justice and victim support.
Despite his accolades, Sproveri remains humble, crediting his success to teamwork and community support. "My name’s on the plaque, and I’m very honored for that, but a lot of the big cases I really only do 10% of the work on," he said. "I rely on the detectives that are in my Criminal Investigations Unit, my supervisors, the officers in my department, the district attorney’s office, other law enforcement entities. A lot of people don’t realize how well we work with each other in Centre County amongst ourselves."
His colleagues and the community have taken note of his extraordinary public service. District Attorney Cantorna remarked that Sproveri "is more than due to be here being recognized," while Chief Sheets called him "an extraordinary public servant." Sproveri expressed his gratitude and emotion at the ceremony, acknowledging the strong professionalism and resources within Centre County law enforcement. "It is an honor and especially emotional to have my family here. I couldn’t do this without everyone’s support and the assistance I have gotten from Centre County authorities and others around the country," he reflected.
This year’s award also recognized other outstanding officers, including State College police lieutenant Charles Hamilton, Bellefonte police officer Lisa Larkin, state police trooper Tyler Prisk, and Patton Township police officer Elijah Vardzel, underscoring the depth of talent and dedication within the region’s law enforcement community.
Sergeant Nicholas Sproveri’s career stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and compassion in law enforcement. His work not only solves crimes but also brings healing and justice to victims and their families, setting a high standard for public service in Centre County and beyond.
