Twenty-three cadets graduated from Montgomery County Community College’s Municipal Police Academy on Dec. 14 during a ceremony held at the College’s Health Sciences Center at the Blue Bell Campus.

Friends and family members joined in the celebration, which started with the Lower Merion Township Police Department Color Guard and the national anthem sung by East Norriton Township Police Officer Samantha Smith.

During her welcoming remarks, Municipal Police Academy Director Georgette Hill thanked the law enforcement community for its support of the program, particularly the police departments of Hatfield, Lower Merion, Upper Merion and Whitpain townships who recently hired several of the graduating cadets. She also thanked the scholarship sponsors, The Chief John J. McGowan III Memorial Scholarship Foundation and the Quest for the Best Foundation, for their ongoing support.

Hill gave a special thanks to the Class of 21-02, recognizing their commitment and perseverance.

“You worked extremely hard during the 24 weeks of instruction, a total of 919 hours,” she said. “It’s a competitive process to enter the police academy that requires several exams, a rigorous interview process and other requirements. You also had to make many personal sacrifices, including forfeiting time with family and friends and spending 14 Sundays here.”

The graduates of the Class of 21-02 are Sgt. Michael Altomare, Telford; Michael Bonacci, Oreland; Dennis Stephan, Phoenixville; Braeden Diehl, Green Lane; Sgt. Greyson Dructor, North Wales; Samantha Friel, Lansdale; SSgt. Benjamin Johnson, Willow Grove; Matthew Johnson, Horsham; David Jones, Hulmeville; Sgt. Patrick Kivlin, Jamison; Trevor Knechel, Harleysville; Phillipe LeBoutillier, Norristown; Patrick Longo, Glenside; Zackary Mason, Perkasie; Andrew Melio, North Wales; Sgt. Hannah Moran, Collegeville; Matthew O’Donnell, Holland; James Posselli, Philadelphia; Lt. Andrew Rudisill, Springfield; Ryan Sell, Souderton; Liam Smith, Lincoln University; Daniel Staley, Glenside; and Traneya White, Philadelphia.

Dr. Gloria Oikelome, MCCC Vice President for Academic Affairs, congratulated the graduates and spoke about the important roles they will perform in their communities.

“I’m ever the optimist that each class of police we send out from this College with the values that we have instilled in them will be a catalyst for change. Each class is contributing to a new generation of men and women who are committed to serving and protecting,” Oikelome said. “Class of 21-02, be strong in your convictions. Be courageous. Never be afraid to challenge the status quo and continue to be strong advocates for yourselves and others.”

For the guest speaker, the cadets selected Lieutenant Jeffrey Nowak of the Whitemarsh Township Police Department, the Academy’s firearms instructor. Nowak spoke about the honor it is to work in such a noble profession.

“I challenge you to go out and serve your communities to the best of your abilities. Never forget why you have chosen this path and stay true to yourselves and stay true to the profession,” Nowak said. “Never waiver. Remember justice always should be dispensed with compassion and fairness. You quite literally are the future of law enforcement. Do us proud.”

Hill recognized the accomplishments of the Class of 21-02, including several special awards. Trevel Knechel received the Sgt. James R. Miller Marksmanship Award. Sgt. Patrick Kivlin and Traneya White received the Spirit of Distinction Award. Patrick Long received the Professional Development Award. Lt. Andrew Rudisill received the Platoon Leader Merit Award.

Rudisill, who had a 96 percent grade point average in 27 written examinations, also was named valedictorian.

During his remarks, Rudisill shared words of wisdom he received from his former military leader, Command Sgt. Major David Bass.

“The four rights to success are as follows. Show up at the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform with the right attitude to be ready to work,” Rudisill said.

In addition to the award presentations, three cadets received scholarships. Matthew Johnson received the Chief John J. McGowan III Memorial Scholarship for $2,500. Sgt. Michael Altomare and Sgt. Greyson Dructor received the Quest for the Best Foundation scholarships for $2,500 each.

          

Since 1973, Municipal Police Academy at MCCC has been the training program for more than 3,500 cadets with a consistent graduation rate of more than 90 percent. The 919-hour curriculum allows successful students to articulate up to 15 credit hours toward an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission certifies the Academy. Many of the Academy’s alumni serve as officers and in leadership roles throughout Montgomery County and the region. MCCC operates the Municipal Police Academy in the Health Sciences Center at the Blue Bell Campus.