Since 1974, the Grand Valley Police Academy has been training the next generation of police officers to serve in their communities. When the academy celebrated its 53rd graduating class of the Basic Police Academy Program on Thursday, it also commemorated its 50th anniversary.
There was no overt pomp and circumstance for the anniversary during the academy’s graduation at the Louis Armstrong Theatre. Police Academy Director Geoffrey Collard wanted to ensure that the celebration was focused on the class of 43 recruits.
“I want to acknowledge the 50th anniversary, but I want to make sure that we’re honoring our recruits, the 15-week commitment they just successfully completed and the decision they’ve made to move into such an important field to keep people safe,” Collard said.
The ceremony began with a welcome from President Philomena V. Mantella, who brought both recruits and their supporters to their feet to offer each other an ovation and a thank you.
“We owe these men and women the kind of respect, consideration, care and gratitude for the service they have given and the service they’ll give to our communities,” Mantella said. “I want to be the first in line to show that to each of you.”