(PATCHOGUE, NY May 21, 2014)—This week, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and several county legislators congratulated 54 graduates of the Suffolk County Police Academy at commencement exercises Monday at St. Joseph’s College.
“You have chosen to invest your life in the career of public service as a Suffolk County Police Officer. You have decided to ensure public safety and put your life on the line for the greater good of Suffolk County. For that I applaud you and say thank you,” County Executive Steve Bellone said.
Of the 54 graduates, 37 are joining the Suffolk County Police Department, while two others are joining the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. The remainder are joining village or other police units or agencies from around Long Island and New York City.
“You are the best trained and best equipped police officers that the Suffolk County Police Academy has ever graduated,” Police Commissioner Edward Webber said. “With this training and authority that you have been given as police officers, comes a great responsibility. You are now responsible for protecting the lives, property and rights of the people that you serve. Your job is to ensure your community is a safe place to live, work and raise a family.“
Recruits in the academy’s 162nd recruit class receive instruction and hands-on training in criminal and civil law, physical fitness, firearms, arrest procedures and other requirements. Recruits undergo 29 weeks of preparation at the academy and up to 12 more weeks of field training.
Several officers were recognized for their performance during academy training:
Most Supportive Elizabeth Tomlin
EMT Award Kola Olosunde
Emergency Vehicle Operations Course Daniel Murphy
Firearms Proficiency Michael Chicas
Top Physical Fitness Christopher Grenia
Top Academic Robert Schenker
Top Suffolk Police Recruit Kevin Muller
Top Overall Recruit Daniel Murphy
Among those participating in the commencement program were Suffolk County Legislators Sarah Anker, Steve Stern, Kara Hahn, Robert Calarco, Kate Browning, Thomas Barraga, John Kennedy and Kevin McCaffrey.
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