Before beginning their careers serving and protecting the public, 28 cadets graduating from Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) Municipal Police Academy said a final goodbye to one another.

The College celebrated Class 2301 with a ceremony inside the gymnasium of its Health Sciences Center on Blue Bell Campus, Wednesday, June 14. Fifteen cadets have been hired already by area police departments and wore their respective uniforms to the ceremony.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele delivered a message of support and best wishes to the graduating class. He challenged the cadets to remember that not only were they respected members of their police departments but were also representatives of the entire law enforcement community.

“How you act, how you carry yourself and how you treat all people during every interaction holds tremendous, tremendous significance,” said Steele. “When I say it matters, please mark my words. It matters.”

Kyle Longacre, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development, said Montgomery County is filled with residents who make the community great.

“As police officers,” he said, “you may encounter these people in difficult and challenging times. But always see them and value them as community members. We need you to help them, encourage them and support them in your role as a public servant.”

Georgette Hill, Director of Public Services Training Program and the Municipal Police Academy, encouraged the cadets to maintain the skills they’ve learned in the academy as they begin their careers.

“A solid foundation is what makes for a stronger structure,” she said. “Never forget what you’ve learned. It will follow you through your 25-plus career in law enforcement. You all should be very proud of yourselves. You all have made me very proud. You’ve helped make my job easier and I thank you for that. So, I congratulate you, Class 2301, for all the hard work and effort you have put in. This is your accomplishment that’s being rewarded here.”

Detective Michael Cermignano, of Tredyffrin Township Police Department and this year’s class speaker, told the cadets it took a special person to wear a police officer’s uniform.

“Less than one quarter of one percent of the population of the United States has earned the right to wear this uniform,” he said, “and over 23,000 who have worn it have made the ultimate sacrifice. This uniform is a symbol of authority, pride, safety and honor. It is the uniform of a law enforcement officer.”

Five cadets were recognized for top achievements among of the Class 2301. The Sgt. James R. Miller Marksmanship Award was given to Cadet Jacob Hennessey. The Award of Distinction was given to Cadet Staff Sgt. John Hayward. The Professional Development Award was given to Cadet Emilitza Trujillo. The Corporal Brian Kozera Physical Fitness Award was given to Cadet Colby Goldsmith. The Platoon Leader Merit Award was given to Cadet Lt. Travis Hodes.

Cadet Robert Giantonio, Class 2301 Valedictorian, congratulated his fellow graduates on all they’d accomplished during their time in the academy. He told them to remember what they learned and continue to dedicate themselves the protection of the communities they would soon serve.

“Because of this program,” he said, “we now have the tools and knowledge necessary to truly make an impact on our respective communities.”

Scott McGowan, on behalf of the McGowan family, presented the $2,500 Chief John J. McGowan III Memorial Scholarship to Cadet Jacob Hennessy. The McGowan family started the scholarship fund in memory of their husband/father, Chief John J. McGowan, III, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2010. The scholarship is awarded annually to a cadet who has completed the program and is financing his or her tuition and has been helpful to many cadets over the years.

Daniel Czaplicki, of the Quest for the Best Foundation, awarded Cadets Robert Giantonio and Colby Goldsmith with a $$3,436 Quest for the Best Scholarship Award. Quest provides funds and/or services “to those who are committed to strengthening the common good of mankind.”

The AT&T Foundation Public Safety Scholarship benefits first responders and the public safety community. Earlier this year, the AT&T Foundation donated $20,000 to the Municipal Police Academy to benefit two police academy classes. Ten cadets from Class 2301 were given a $1,000 scholarship. Cadets Thomas Ford, Jacob Hennessey, Michael Leonhauser, Alexander Moyer, Delaney Richardson, Jacob Shear, Talon Simon, Madison Taylor, Emilitza Trujillo, and Tyler VanDeVen each received the award.

Whitpain Township Police Association also awarded Cadet Alexander Moyer with a $1,000 scholarship for exemplary performance.

Class 2301 includes Andy Bertrand, Hatboro; Ryan Comfort, Philadelphia; Matthew Davison, Warrington; Thomas P. Ford, Warminster; Robert Giantonio, Kinnelon, N.J.; Colby P. Goldsmith, Royersford; Sgt. Karly Harney, Southampton; Staff Sgt. John P. Hayward, West Chester; Sgt. Riley Hefner, East Greenville; Jacob F. Hennessey, Schwenksville; Veronica B. Hires, Abington; Lt. Travis Hodes, Gilbertsville; Christopher Javier, Philadelphia; Liam K. Krimmel, Langhorne; Michael J. Leonhauser, Levittown; Patrick M. Miller, Philadelphia; Sgt. Alexander K. Moyer, Souderton; Charles R. Norwood, Coatesville; Sgt. Sean Ralph, Collegeville; Patrick J. Reckner, Lansdale; Delaney K. Richardson, Collegeville; Adrian Sasin, Lawrenceville; Jacob E. Shear, Souderton; Talon C. Simon, Collegeville; Anthony L. Stevenson, Douglassville; Madison R. Taylor, Bensalem; Emilitza Trujillo, Plymouth Meeting; Tyler F. VanDeVen, Harleysville.

Since 1973, the Municipal Police Academy at MCCC has been the training center for more than 4,100 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 degree in Criminal Justice. The Academy is certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission. 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.