PIQUA — Edison State Community College’s Peace Officer Academy honored thirteen students in December, following their successful completion of the 21-week program.
Students of the program met for six days each week since January, totaling more 680 hours of training, according to a school representative. The curriculum of the program is certified by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) and covers all aspects of law enforcement training, including: administration, firearms, subject control and investigation.
“This was a great group of cadets,” Basic Peace Officer Academy Commander Joseph Mahan said. “They all have the potential to become excellent police officers.”
Edison State offered the first Basic Peace Officer Academy in 2003. The class that completed academic requirements this spring was from the 35th academy. Throughout its fourteen-year history, the program has graduated 455 students, according to a school representative. Many students have become officers throughout the region, though they are certified to seek an officer position anywhere in the State of Ohio.
“The job market for law enforcement officers is strong,” Mahan said. “They just need to seek out those agencies that are hiring and apply. I wish the best of luck to all of them in the pursuit of their chosen careers.”
Academy students can continue their education at Edison State and earn an associate’s degree by taking classes on campus or online. Following successful completion of the police officer program, cadets are required to pass the state certification exam.
“I am very proud of each and every graduate, and thankful for the sacrifices they made to attend and will continue to make throughout this career,” Dean of Professional and Technical Programs Dr. Tony Human said. “You do not select Law Enforcement, it selects you. I encourage them all to wear their badge with pride and remember: To protect, you must first serve.”
