PIQUA – Edison State Community College’s Peace Officer Academy honored 10 students in December following their successful completion of the 22-week program.
Students of the program met for six days each week since January, totaling 742 hours of training. The curriculum of the program is certified by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and covers all aspects of law enforcement training including administration, firearms, subject control and investigation.
“This was another exceptional class of cadets who all have the heart and desire to serve and protect. Given the opportunity they will serve proudly and be an asset to any agency willing to give them that opportunity,” Basic Peace Officer Academy Commander Joseph Mahan said.
“I wish them the best, and much success, in their chosen profession of being a law enforcement officer.”
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.
Edison State offered the first Basic Peace Officer Academy in 2003, and the class that completed academic requirements this fall was from the 37th academy. Throughout its 15-year history, the program has enrolled 606 students.
Of the cadets who qualified to sit for the State Certification Exam, and passed, 76.8 percent of them have been sworn in as a law enforcement officer in the State of Ohio, representing 59 police agencies in the state.
“I am very proud of each and every graduate and thankful for the sacrifices they made to attend and will continue to make throughout their career,” Dean of Professional and Technical Programs 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.”
For more information about joining the upcoming academy, contact Veronica French at [email protected] or 937-778-7865. Those interested in entering the academy must be 21 years of age and eligible to own a weapon.
Fall 2018 Police Officer Academy students who successfully completed credit hour requirements were Alyssa Baker, of Ludlow Falls; Robert Benshoff, of Sidney; Dustin Elsass, of New Carlisle; Lisa Holfinger, of Covington; Brandon Lingengelter, of Brookville; Sarah Maynard, of Jackson Center; Shawn McIntire, of Degraff; Justin Miller, of Fletcher; Marquis Payton, of Riverside; and Zayne Taylor, of Piqua.
