GVSU Police Academy holds graduation ceremony

After 15 weeks of intense training, 34 police academy recruits graduated from the Grand Valley State University Police Academy.

The 47th graduating class was honored during an August 12 ceremony held in the Louis Armstrong Theatre in the Haas Center for Performing Arts on the Allendale Campus.

Williamson Wallace, director of Criminal Justice Training, said 86 percent of the class members are employed or have accepted conditional offers of employment with Michigan law enforcement agencies.

President Philomena V. Mantella congratulated the recruits for completing the rigorous academy program and thanked them for dedicating their lives to public service, safety and justice. 

“We know it is an ecosystem. It takes support from all of us, so I am grateful for family members and supporters here today, and to our faculty and the colleges that support our recruits,” Mantella said.

Sherril Soman, dean of the College of Education and Community Innovation, told recruits they are needed now more than ever. “You are entering your profession at a very critical time in our country,” she said. “We know you will bring your humanity and experience to your policing. We honor you for your commitment.”

The keynote speaker, Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker, said Grand Valley produces some of the finest officers in the state with its high standards and commitment to ethics and integrity. He said law enforcement often sees the worst of the world and it can be discouraging to meet people in their darkest hour.

“The world is a big place and can be a tough place,” he said. “You can’t change the world but you can change a person’s world. We have the opportunity to alter the outcome of people’s lives.”

Kempker encouraged recruits to surround themselves with good people, seek out a mentor and take advantage of a healthy support system.

“You are a role model. Serve with care and compassion for those affected by crime,” he said.

The GVSU Police Academy is a leader in the state, introducing innovative training methods and techniques that are setting the bar for law enforcement education.

For more information, visit gvsu.edu/cj/policeacademy

View a photo gallery taken by University Communications photographers of police recruits during their 15 weeks of training.