John W. Shumaker

Transcription

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the graduation ceremony for HACC's 100th Police Academy. I'm Beth Dombrowsky, managing director of the Shumaker Public Safety Center and director of law enforcement training. This is a very historic occasion for the public safety center as well as the college and we're so happy that you were all able to join us and help us celebrate today. We're excited to welcome our Internet audience as well as those who are watching in another room here at the conference center. But at this time I would like to welcome some very special guests. We have assembled many past graduates of our police academy program and we would like to introduce them at this time. From the second class, investigation manager, William J. Olsen, retired Bureau of Special Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General, former officer, Harrisburg Bureau of Police and Camp Hill Police Departments. [applause] Third class, officer Terry L. Longaker, retired, Manor Twp. Police Dept. Fourth class, executive director Eric A. Bysline, York County Dept. of Emergency Services, retired chief Fairview Twp. Police Dept. Fifth class, Sgt. Robert Givler, Middletown Police Dept. Seventh class, Sgt. Thomas Olsen, retired Camp Hill Police Dept., former officer Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Seventh part-time class, Sgt. Scott A. Young, Lower Swatara Twp. Police Dept. Ninth class, Chief of Police, Tom Gross, York Area Regional Police Dept. Ninth part-time class, Chief Jim Stoner, Shiremanstown Borough Police Dept. Tenth class, Chief M. Rebecca Downing, retired, York County Detectives, former Lt. York City Police Dept. Tenth part-time class, Patrolman Craig E. Powers, Highspire Borough Police Dept. Eleventh part-time class, officer Robert Hilbert, North Lebanon Twp. Police Dept. Twelfth part-time class, currently in session, pre-service cadet, Thomas Burfeint. Thirteenth class, Chief John F. Goshert, Dauphin County Criminal Investigation Division, retired Lt. Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Fourteenth class, Magisterial District Judge Joseph S. Lindsey, retired officer Lower Paxton Twp. Police Dept. Fifteenth class, Special Agent Randall Sloan, Norfolk Southern Police Dept. Sixteenth class, Sgt. Richard Groff, retired Warwick Twp. Police Dept. Nineteenth class, officer Richard L. Smith, Pennsylvania Capital Police Dept., retired Cpl. Lower Paxton Twp. Police Dept. Twentieth class, Chief Harry Clay Jr., Hampden Twp. Police Dept. Twenty-third class, Chief Pierre Ritter, Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Twenty-fourth class, Detective Hal Brook, West Manchester Police Dept. Twenty-fifth class, patrolman Tracy King, retired New Cumberland Police Dept. Twenty-sixth class, Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police David Johnson, Lower Paxton Twp. Police Dept. Thirty-first class, Board member Jim Fox, Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parol. Thirty-second class, officer and canine handler Garth Warner, Derry Twp. Police Dept. Thirty-fifth class, Sgt. Gregory L. Starner, retired Newberry Twp. Police Dept. Thirty-eight class, Special Agent Robert W. Swank, Norfolk Southern Police Dept. Thirty-ninth class, Magisterial District Judge John H. Fishel, retired Detective Sgt. York Area Regional Police Dept. Fortieth class, Detective Sgt. Thomas Kauffman, Upper Allen Twp. Police Dept. Forty-second class, Sgt. Curtis A. McCoy, Lower Paxton Twp. Police Dept. Forty-third class, Sgt. Russell C. Geyer, West Hempfield Twp. Police Dept. Forty-fouth class, Cpl. William Weaver, New Cumberland Police Dept. Forty-fifth class, Sgt. Dwayne Koons, North Lebanon Twp. Police Dept. Forty-ninth class, Officer John Satorski, Lebanon City Police Dept. . Fiftieth class, Karen Finkenbinder, Chief of Research and Publications Peace Keeping and Stability Operations Institute Army War College Carlisle Barracks, former Sgt. Carlisle Police Dept. Fifty-first class, Lt. Christian D. Fiscial, State College Police Dept. Fifty-third class, Sgt. Derrick E. Moody, Criminal Investigation Division Harrisburg Bureau of Police, negotiations assistant commander, Dauphin County Crisis Response Team. Fifty-fifth class, Officer Kirk Heckler, Lower Allen Twp. Police Dept. Fifty-seventh class, officer John Shmoyer, Swatara Twp. Police Dept. Fifty-ninth class, Sgt. Joseph Hogarth, Carlisle Police Dept. Sixty-first class, Magisterial District Judge Mark Martin, former officer Hampton Twp. Police Dept. and Upper Allen Twp. Police Dept. Sixty-second class, Detective Emily Delregno, Dauphin County District Attorney's office, Criminal investigation division. Sixty-third class, officer Jeremy Tappin, Upper Allen Twp. Police Dept. Sixty-eigth class, Lt. Tom Stauffer, Swatara Twp. Police Dept. Seventieth class, Forensic Specialist and Officer Marlene Sherwin, Penn State University Police, sworn detective for Capital Region Forensic Unit in Dauphin County Child Abduction Response Team. Seventy-fourth class, officer Steve Wolpert, Lancaster City Bureau of Police. Seventy-fifth class, paramedic Thomas Alstead, Life Team EMS on Medic One, former officer Fairview Twp. Police Dept. Seventy-ninth class, investigator Mark A. McNaughton, Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Eightieth class, officer Mary Persing, Mt. Union Police Dept. Eighty-second class, officer Chris Landis, East Hempfield Twp. Police Dept. Eighty-third class, officer LuAnna Brooke, Lower Paxton Twp. Police Dept. Eighty-seventh class, officer Brian Barnes, Upper Allen Twp. Police Dept. Eighty-eighth class, officer Sean O'Hanlon, Ephrata Police Dept. Eighty-ninth class, officer Tracy L. Miller, Silver Spring Twp. Police Dept. Ninety-second class, officer Matthew Corby, Swatara Twp. Police Dept. Ninety-third class, Park Manager Adam Febree, Parks Operation and Training Division Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Ninety-fourth class, officer Jesse W. Bloom, Newberry Twp. Police Dept. Ninety-sixth class, officer Joseph Craven, Silver Spring Twp. Police Dept. Ninety-seventh class, Patrolman Timothy L. Mulder, Eastern Adams Regional Police Dept. Ninety-eighth class, officer John Hoffner, Hagerstown Police Dept. Ninety-nineth class, officer Caroline Weber, Highspire Police Dept. [applause] And now would you please welcome the cadets of the 100th Police Academy. Our colors will be presented by a special Honor Guard of past graduates. If everyone would please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [commands] Please be seated, thank you. I would like to introduce our special guests on stage, if you could please stand retired Sgt. Tom Olsen, Camp Hill Borough Police Dept., Sgt. Tom Carter, [applause] Sgt. Tom Carter, [applause] Harrisburg Bureau of Police, Sgt. Rick Groff, retired Warwick Twp. Police Dept. [applause] Carroll Wagner, Law Enforcement Education Specialist, [applause] our esteemed College President, Dr. John "SKI" Sygielski, [applause], and a very special welcome to our keynote speaker, Major Joseph G. Elias, Executive Director Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission. [applause] Thank you gentlemen. We're also honored to have with us today many chiefs of police, elected officials, and community leaders, we thank you for attending today and for you continued support of our college. Lastly, I wish to recognize and thank all the families and friends of these cadets. This academy is long and tedious and at times very difficult and these men and women would not be here today without your love and support of them, so thank you. The 100th academy, I'm sure you thought we we would never reach this day, we started with 36 cadets back in July. You are 31 strong today, which is an amazing tribute to your abilities. The fact that you made it all the way through to the end of this academy says a lot about you. I'm not sure exactly what mother nature had against this class, but you survived an earthquake, hurricane Irene, tropical storm Lee, the great flood of 2011, and a pre-halloween snow storm. [laughter] You were also extremely patient and flexible during construction and renovations that took place during your time with us. And I'm very happy to report that everyone passed the final PT test, which doesn't happen very often. Also, I've been informed that everyone who took the MOPEC certification exam this morning has passed. [applause] And I would like to give a very special thanks to Dr. Beverly Young, seated back here and staff at the training commission for getting these results to us so quickly. I know this has been an extremely long 20 weeks, not only for you, but also for your friends and families and I know the monumental anxiety that you all experienced on exam days. Sgt. Carter and the PT Staff built character and motivated you, but I'm also aware of the pain that you endured. You've learned so many how to shoot your weapon, how to drive a police car, how to defend yourselves, how to effect an arrest and how to present your case in court, just to mention a few. Many of you experienced a variety of difficulties along the way, personally, physically, and academically. But you persevered, and that is the key to your success today. This academy was only the beginning. And I'm sure you have many more anxieties, memories, and experiences to look forward to during your careers. I ask you all to have confidence in and rely on the training that you've received here. But I also ask that you be ever vigilant out there. In everything you do, even the most seemingly mundane calls, please keep that officer safety mindset. As a former police officer and the very proud wife of a police officer, I ask you to honor this job. It is the most noble of professions. Conduct yourselves at all times with honor and integrity, no matter where you are, whether people are watching you or not, treat everyone with respect regardless of the situation, do not cut corners, follow the rules, even the ones that seem so trivial, most importantly, honor your families and loved ones, and make sure that they know how much you love them each and every time before you go to work. I know you will serve your departments and communities well, I'm so proud of each and every one of you and I pray for your continued safety and success. Congratulations. [applause] At this time I would like to call on Dr. John "SKI" Sygielski to offer some remarks on behalf of the college. >> Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. First of all, congratulations, the 100th class. So we will definitely look forward to having you come in this room in the years ahead as you do us proud. But I'd like to ask the class to do me a favor. Would you please stand for a moment, turn around, and salute those who have spent 20 weeks of their lives helping you get to today. So would you please, stand, turn around, and applaud those in the audience who are here to support you. So, please, and turn around. That's it, turn around, this is a test. [laughter] >>They're not doing very well >>Thank you. Very nice. [applause] >>About face. >> Well you can tell I'm a civilian, how to have them celebrate everybody in this audience. So I know they are all very grateful to all of you in this audience. Before I give a few remarks, how many of you are brand new to the college here? How many of you have never been at this college campus, raise your hands. It's quite alright. Very good, we have registration going on now before you leave. [laugher] We'll expect you to register for a class or maybe make a donation to the Public Safety Center. So we very much appreciate your presence here today. This is a huge achievement, as Ms. Dombrowsky said, 20 weeks, and there's an awful lot that has happened. So there's a lot to celebrate today. If you were to look at their faces here, it's very interesting. I think some are either eager to get out of here and celebrate their test taking and their 20 weeks or they're just anxious to get up here and get their diploma and really realize that they have succeeded in this program. I want you to know that on behalf of the Board of Trustees we are very, very committed to this program. This program started in 1971 and just last year, the college board took upon themselves the 15 million dollar renovation project of the Public Safety Center. This is a group of 19 individuals who are so committed to public safety in our service region that we are just delighted to be able to be one of the largest law enforcement academies in the commonwealth. And so I want to congratulate you for that. I also just want to congratulate some of those who have just gone before you. But before I do that, I want to let you know that, Lt. Carroll Wagner, we have a little story about you I understand. This is the first class to drive on a new skid pad, and we understand that our cadets here are honoring their commitment to this program. It seems as if the Lt. wanted to try his driving skills on this new skid pad and it seems as if some of the students were able to recognize him and even tell on him because he ended up riding that skid pad during work hours. [laughter] But I think the bigger issue is we have someone in the back of the room, we have Cindy Shirk who is a Lt. as well and we know that we want want to commend you Cindy in the back because we know that your driving skills allegedly are supposed to be better than the Lt. here and you just withheld from getting in the car and showing the cadets how to really make it work. So congratulations to you as well. But cadets, before I sit down, again on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to welcome you, I want to thank you, you're now part of the HACC family, and you follow in a great tradition. You know there are some gentlemen in the back who were noted in the newspaper recently, the were rated and discussed because they helped to deliver a baby. We have right now someone who graduated from this program, officer Matthew Gruff from the Northern York Regional Police Dept. Would you please stand? I thought I heard you being welcomed. Would you please stand? Not here? He may have snuck out. But at 12:59am in a hotel room, he delivered a baby recently. And that was only after returning from an accident in which a box truck hit his cruiser a few weeks beforehand. So these, this example is just one of many of the people who have gone before you from this academy. Your service, your commitment to our community is definitely commendable. And ladies and gentlemen, I'll tell you I think you know this, for many of you who have encourage these cadets over the last 20 weeks, how important their roles are. Many of us don't realize the noble task that they are going to take upon themselves and we salute each and every one of you for risking your lives daily for our safety. So thank you for choosing the most noblest profession. You know, my mother said when I told her I wanted to get into teaching, she was very disappointed because she said why didn't you want to get into law enforcement. So I have to tell you that my mother today is also very very proud to know that I would be here in celebrating you and celebrating your success. So again on behalf of the Board, on behalf of the College community, congratulations and welcome. [applause] >>Thank you so much Dr. Ski, we appreciate your support very much. At this time I would like to introduce Class President Joseph Muller, who has some remarks for the class. >> Honored guests and fellow classmates, it is an honor for me to be able to speak at today's graduation. We're the survivors. Class 100 at Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center. Back in July, five months seemed like an eternity, but here we are. When we look back at July, it's hard to believe that the only way we knew each other was to look at a name tag. Now we know each other for so much more. We've been through a lot together. We survived the lectures from criminal law to traffic code, we endured those long, endless days that never seemed to end. We studied crash investigation and use of force policy. We survived the never ending running of Sgt. Carter's physical training course. And we survived Chief Easter's defensive tactics and OC spray training. We survived the tests, the constant testing. We succeeded in Sgt. Olsen's firing range and Sgt. Groff's eval course. Some of the things I'l probably remember most over these last five months of instruction, are the personal experiences related to us by our instructors. The instructors shared their experiences with us to tell us how stay safe, why it's important to stay focused, why it's important to have the utmost integrity in the performance of our duties and to tell us that there's no other career like law enforcement. Another message came clearly was the job of the law enforcement officer has changed. The law enforcement officer today has to be sharper and better trained to handle the more complex requirements of the courts. These last five months have prepared us for the task. We don't pretend to think we've learned all we need to know. It seems that the more you learn, the more there is to learn. But you have to start somewhere. 100th, after we receive our certificates a few minutes from now, some of us will be law enforcement officers, some of us will be shortly. We will be referred to as law enforcement officers every day. We will refer to our, excuse me, in fact when people introduce us to others, they will include the fact that we are law enforcement officers. We took the job because we want to help people and give back to the community. We are members of our community, members who realize that sometimes things that need to be done that are not easy to do. And you think you are the someone to do the job and want to protect your family, friends and neighbors. So remember, the reason you took the job, your family, friends and neighbors, they are your greatest asset. They are your greatest asset because they'll be there to support you when things are bad, and I can guarantee you there will be bad times. We will be called to try and wake someone in the middle of the night, who has laid themselves to rest for the final time. We will be the first to arrive at the scene of a medical emergencies and start CPR on a heart attack victim or try and stop the bleeding on someone who's injured. You will respond to traffic accidents and tend to people's broken bodies before doing anything else. And when things don't turn out the way we would like, it is our duty visit the next of kin and deliver the news. We will help the elderly get to their feet when they've fallen and can't get up and we'll even be called to help get cats out of trees. The list is endless. When you have to deliver bad news to someone, take the time to see that their needs are met before leaving them to grieve on their own. And when you have to enforce the law, be firm and fair. And remember that the community that you serve includes everyone. Remember to treat everyone, everyone with respect and dignity. Remember the people you come in contact with are sisters, brothers, mother, fathers, neighbors and most importantly members of the community. Know that you would want a law enforcement officer to treat you or a member of your family with dignity and respect and treat the people that you come in contact with with the same fairness and respect. I say to you, the audience, we are very well represented here, because people who trust and look out for us and be willing to respond to every crisis, they are sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, moms and dads, husbands, wives and neighbors. They are the 100th graduating class of the Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center. And to you the 100th, I say this, the thin blue line is a lot thicker than what you might expect. In fact it's as thick as we in law enforcement make it. This graduation is the culmination of a lot of hard work and we're proud of our accomplishment. In closing I'd like to remind you of something Jesus Christ said, he said, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are the children of god. God bless you all and thank you. [applause] I'd like to present the plaque to the director. >> Beautiful. Thank you very much. [applause] Thank you very much. Before I introduce our guest speaker, I want to take a brief moment to acknowledge our very hard working staff at the academy. Our two full time education specialists, Carroll Wagner and Cindy Shirk, our part time coordinators as well as instructors, Jim Adams, Nick Polino, Becky Downing, Steve Resser, and Rick Groff. Our most efficient administrative team, Margie Santo and Diane Scott, and the incomparable Sgt. Daryl Pottiger, our staff cadet liaison. This academy could not operate without these individuals and they are absolutely invaluable to me. I would also like to thank everyone who contributed to this event today. There are too many to mention here today, but they are listed in your program. Last but certainly not least, I want to have all of our academy instructors who are here today, please stand, all of you. Stand up. [applause] Major, I have to say this academy has the finest instructional staff without exception. The success of this and every class is undoubtedly due to the hard work and dedication of these fine individuals and I thank all of you. It is now my honor to introduce our guest speaker. Major Joseph G. Elias is a 26 year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police. He currently serves as executive director of the municipal police officers education and training commission, where he oversees training standards, curriculum development and certification of 21 police academies over 1,100 police departments and more than 23,000 municipal police offers throughout the state. A 1984 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, Major Elias holds a bachelor of science degree in biology. He attended the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in 1985 and following his gradation was assigned to troop J, Avondale. He was promoted to Cpl. in 1990, Sgt. in 1993, Lt. in 1997, Capt. in 2006, and Major in 2011. As he progressed through the ranks, Major Elias also served at stations in Lancaster, Philadelphia, with the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, the Bureau of Records and Identification and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Prior to his assignment as Executive Director of the Training Commission, her served as the Director of Domestic Security and was responsible for Homeland Security and Emergency Planning and Preparedness Programs throughout the Commonwealth. Major Elias has been the recipient of numerous meritory service awards and is responsible for the successful development and implementation of Pennsylvania's instant check system, PICS for firearm background checks. Major Elias is a 2003 graduate of the FBI National Academy. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and continues to serve as their representative to the US Dept. of Homeland Security, comprehensive working group. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association and the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Major Elias is married and has two daughters he and his family reside in Lancaster. Would you please join me in welcoming Major Joseph G. Elias. [applause] At the risk of a public display of hat head, if you don't mind I'm going to lose this for a minute, but a little more comfortable, thank you very much, Beth. And thanks to all of you for being here. Graduates I'm honored to share with you and your families the satisfaction of your achievement on this special day in your lives and the epic moment for this institution having graduated it's 100th Police Academy class. For me, one of the most enjoyable things about attending a magnificent ceremony such as this, is knowing that I didn't have to subject myself to the 20 weeks of intense training and pressure that these recruits had to endure in order to be here today. It's a tough, grueling curriculum designed to prepare them mentally and physically. I went through it myself and I can tell you, once was enough. Commencement addresses are usually intended to inspire and to teach. But you've just undergone months at the hands of some highly qualified, very dedicated instructors at this school. And because today you graduate, there is little left to prove, at least to me. We know you are motivated, hard working and determined. All very important attributes you will need to succeed in this profession. But the training doesn't stop here. After I graduated from the State Police Academy, I spent my first 60 days with an experienced trooper, my coach. That's what we call them in the olden days, your coach. We now call them field training officers. At the time he was old enough to be my dad and like my dad, a man who learned some very important lessons from. My first night on patrol we responded to a disorderly conduct complaint. The actor was still there when we arrived and our presence didn't make him any less disorderly. My coach said, go ahead and cuff him, which I did, text book style, just the way I'd practiced hundreds of times, only to have this guy complain they were too tight. But before I could utter a word, my coach jumped in and said, just give the kid a break, the cuffs are tight because they're new, they'll stretch out after you wear them for a while. [laughter] And if you decide to run, you're only gonna go to jail tired. [laughter] Words of wisdom, yes, but much has changed over the years, so I'm not necessarily offering you the same advice if you encounter a similar situation. But I have learned a few things along the way throughout my 26 year career that may help you in yours. There are five things I want to leave you with today. First, do what you love. When you enjoy what you do, when you pursue your passion, neither fatigue nor failure ever seems possible. Though your spirit may be weakened, it cannot be broken. Along with military service, law enforcement remains one of the noblest professions in the world. That's why we get paid so well. [laughter] You always know who the cop spouses are in the crowd because they're the ones that either chuckle or grumble the loudest. But despite the pay, you will have a great deal of authority as a police officer. But all of us in public service have a responsibility to not just carry the title, but to be worthy of it. Be careful that you always use it wisely and well. As Dwight Eisenhower once said, A person who values his privileges above his principles will soon lose both. Second, in all that you do, do your very best. This will be the characteristic that will define you to others and set the course for your accomplishments in life and your profession. Both excellence and success are attainable through your day to to day dedication and they will prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead. And in this profession, every day will bring new challenges and high expectations. We will expect you to protect us from those who may do us harm in our homes, our schools, and our businesses. You will protect the rights of all, both law abiding citizens and even those individuals whose ideals are repudiated by a law abiding nation. It's the responsibility that few understand, but from which all benefit. We will expect you to be good role models and leaders within your communities. And leadership isn't just about doing things right, it's about doing the right thing. Yes, our expectations will be high, however I'm confident that you will meet them. You have chosen a profession where you are willing to put your lives on the line for a greater good. It's a sacrifice few are willing to make, but many appreciate. How you carry yourselves and how you carry out your responsibilities reflects on the communities that you protect and serve. Third, love your family. As members of law enforcement, we can become consumed with arrests, cases, and prosecutions. And these are important, but I can tell you, there's no investigation, no assignment, no conviction more important than a hug from your kid when you read a book to their grade school class or the comfort and support from a loyal spouse after a really hard day at work. You'll have good days and some not so good days. You will see first hand people's worst nightmares. The families and friends that applaud you today will be your support staff when you need comfort. At times it will be hard to separate work time from family time, so never forget the sacrifice of your families and friends that allow you to pursue your passion. Fourth, you are never too smart or too old to stop learning. Today, for some of you, the formal education ends and your learning begins. Your successful completion of this training course qualifies you for the glorious opportunity to serve, to protect and to defend. But learning is a life long and essential pursuit. We cannot afford to think we ever have all the answerers. Every great opportunity and achievement begins with the desire to learn new things and to take on greater risk. Every moment is a learning moment, particularly in this profession. So keep your minds open, alert and ready. It will help you to remain cool and composed under the most intense pressures and allow you to act with strength, skill and courage in the line of fire. Fifth, remember where you've come from and take the life god has given you to make a difference. It may seem egotistical or self centered to want to be remembered. Not that anyone in this profession has egos. [laughter] But I truly believe that we are each given a life to make a difference, to leave a set of footprints for others to follow. Our lives and the world we inhabit will only be improved by our own accomplishments and those of others. Most kids grow up thinking about stealing second base, not a car. Someone once told me the only reason we have more crime is because we just keep passing new laws every year. While there may be a shred of truth to that, I'd like to think that the rise in juvenile crime is because many kids have grown up with poor role models and have fallen victim to an opportunistic culture that idolizes drug dealers and gang members, and ignores authority. But it shouldn't come as a surprise. New poverty numbers released by the US Census Bureau today shows that almost 1 million additional children under 18 fell into poverty in 2010. And for the first time, over 25% of children under age 6 now live in poverty. Graduates, If through your actions and example, you positively impact the life of just one child, you've become a hero in the truest sense. My children and someday my grandchildren will grow up in the world that you shaped and lead in the years to come. Finally, as we and the rest of the world watch a real life tragedy unfold at a university in our backyard, promise yourselves that in your personal and professional lives, you will not settle for just meeting the minimum legal requirements. Be a true leader and do what is morally and ethically correct. If you're willing to make the tough decisions and never forget your oath to protect and serve your badge will represent more than a sign of authority, it will represent a symbol of honor and courage. And when someone asks me what my profession is doing to protect even the most vulnerable members in our society, I can look them in the eye and tell them that on this day, the Harrisburg Area Community College Police Academy graduated 30 brave men and 1 brave woman, who are ready to take on the fight to keep our communities safe. Graduates, thank you again for letting me share this special day with you and your families. I pray that god continues to watch over you and your families, make it continue to guide your decisions and may he continue to bless the United States of America. Congratulations 100th class, I salute you, I wish you the very best, thank you. [applause] >> Thank you so much, Major. At this time I would like to call on cadets Stefanie Santucci and Johathan Lippy for a special tribute. >> On July 5th, 2011 we began our as your future police officers. Since that date, Pennsylvania has lost three of their own. Patrolman Derek Kotecki, Lower Burrell Police Dept., tour of duty, 18 years, end of watch, Wednesday, October 12th, 2011. Police officer Robert Lasso, Freemansburg Borough Police Department, tour of duty, 9 years, end of watch, Thursday, August 11th, 2011. Deputy Sheriff, Kyle Pagerly, Berks County, tour of duty, 5 years, end of watch, Wednesday, June 29th, 2011. We would like to offer our condolences to all the fallen officers all across the world. >> I'd like to bring everybody together in prayer. Dear lord, thank you for giving us the opportunity to celebrate our graduation from the 100th Police Academy here at HACC. We also give thanks for giving us the courage and strength to finish strong together with all the adversities we had to endure during our five months. For the three fallen police officers mentioned earlier and all the fallen officers across the nation. We pray for these men and women for giving their lives for our country. We pray for their families, so that they can keep their faith and find the strength to become stronger. Losing officers will never become a normality nor shall it ever be. Lord, we pray that you continue to bless the future Police Academy students, past students, police officers, retired officers so that they will be protected from the evils of the world and continue fighting for our country. In your name, we pray. Amen. Would you please join me in a moment of silence for all of these fallen heroes as well as those in our armed forces around the world. Thank you. >> Would you please stand? [music] [music] You may be seated. It is now time to recognize some individual achievements. It is not listed in your program as we wanted it to be a surprise, but we would like to recognize a very special instructor who has the special distinction of having taught in every single academy class to date. And he doesn't look a day over 25. [laughter] He is affectionately known as the minister of pain, and has taught application of force among other topics for over four decades to our police cadets. Chief Harold Easter from the North Lebanon Twp. Police Dept., would you please come to the stage. [applause] We would like to present Chief Easter with this plaque which reads, in appreciation of Harold L. Easter for 41 years of dedicated service instructing police academy cadets. On behalf of the staff as well as past and present cadets for your many years of dedicated service. Thank you, Chief. [applause] >> Twenty weeks, and today you shed your first name cadet, you really get first names today. It's been my pleasure to teach in this academy for these number of years, you the 100th, represent a milestone in my personal endeavors here. Beth, I can guarantee you that I will not be here for the 200th. [laughter] >> Neither will I. >> Thank you very much. [applause] >> Next I would like to ask Sgt. Rick Groff to come and present our driving award on behalf of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association. We had a last minute change in the program to a commitment by Amy Rosenberry, she regrets not being here, but she is trusting this award presentation to Sgt. Groff. [applause] >> Good evening, congratulations class. I spent quite a bit of time with this class. I will tell the rest of the audience as I told the class the first day that we started the driving program. I did not teach them how to drive. I will not take that responsibility. My task was to get them to realize the task that they are taking on while driving a police cruiser, the distractions that they will have to undergo in this job while driving safely throughout their community. When we got onto the driving track to practice some things, like many classes before them, we got rolling as soon as some of them discovered where the gas pedal is at. One or two had to be taught where the brake pedal is at. [laughter] Most of them had to learn their left from their right. [laughter] Once we got through the driving course, everything was well. No body was hurt, no cars were damaged, [laughter] thanks to Lt. Wagner a few tires may need to be replaced. [laughter] Through exercises in classroom and actual driving is what brings about the driving award. I do admire the class with the way they all worked together in the classroom and the scores they put together. And I was actually very impressed with how close the scores were, however, only one cadet can receive the award. With that I would ask cadet Chad McGowan to come forward. [applause] It is my honor to present that to you, Chad. [applause] >> Now the class's favorite, Sgt. Tom Carter will now present our PT award based on all of the PT staff, but Sgt. Carter will give the award. >> Hello. My warriors, when I first met these people right here, I didn't like them. [laughter] But that has changed. Today, I like you all, I want to welcome you all in our world. As the Major said, the profession is very noble. I look at you people as being very noble. I know that the staff, Judge Smith, DelRigno, my executioner John Schmoyer, put you all through a terrible work out. I tried to stop them. [laughter] But it didn't happen. Anyway, you came through it, you're in top physical shape. If there's any police chiefs out there that need good officers, I point to this class right here. I would hire every last one of them. [applause] In our physical fitness program, we put them through a 300 meter run, a little bench press, little mile and a half, a couple sit ups, nothing really too tedious, nothing really too strenuous. MOPEC gives you a standard to meet. You have all met that standard. You have also met the Sgt. Carter standard, which is just a little bit higher, because this world needs good officers. And I want to thank you all for giving my staff an opportunity, the director, Lt. Shirk, Lt. Wagner for giving us the opportunity to train you. I want to thank you for that. Anyway, the voting was very close, the scores were very close, only one person can win, but in my eyes you are all winners. But the award today goes to the class flash, Mr. Gingrich. [applause] Congratulations. >> Thank you very much sir. >> Job well done. >> Thank you very much sir. Thank you. >> Cadet Gingrich's name will be added to the eagle right here if we can squeeze his name in because it has Carter on it 99 times. [laughter] [applause] >> I actually watched the final PT exam and Cadet Gingrich was actually a little bit injured on that day and he pushed through and actually came this close to breaking a school record. He actually ran the mile and a half in 8:19 I believe. Record was 8:15, so way to go Cadet Gingrich. Moving right along, I'll call on retired Sgt. Tom Olsen to present our fire arms award. >> Good afternoon. The 100th municipal police academy's an intelligent, highly motivated group that I've had the pleasure of spending 80 hours with. I wish them safe, meaningful careers as law enforcement officers. For those who have nothing constructive to say about America's youth, haven't spent some time with the members before us today, and they will surely change their mind. Congratulations. I'd like to acknowledge the fire arms instructors that assisted me with this class. If you would stand up please. Sgt. Gregory Starner, Newberry Twp. Police Dept. Sgt. Starner always reminds me that he's one heart beat away from becoming lead instructor. Thank you. [laughter] [applause] Cpl. Steven Resser, one of the staff here, District Justice William Wenner, Agent Keith Miller, retired from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Sgt. Brian Tienter from Susquehanna Twp. Police Dept. are my assistants. Fire arms course is designed to take in consideration the cadet has little or no training or experience with a fire arm. And of course some cadets arrive with experience and skills either from the military or other sources. We introduced the basic concepts and strive to reinforce them by dry fire and live fire training. The cadets shoot between 1700 and 2000 rounds of hand gun ammunition during the course. Fire arm safety is stressed above all things. Safety at home, on the job, on the range. The course also provides training in pistol and shotgun marksmanship, mental conditioning and attitude, and judgement and tactical training where the cadet must make the decision in shoot, don't shoot situations. They are training in shooting in adverse lighting conditions. Three qualifications are held, two with pistol and one with a shotgun. The cadet must score a minimum score of 75% to pass. We had 5 or 6 cadets who were 100% and 5 or 6 who missed it by just that much. A shoot off was held to determine the winning, the firearms award winner. This academy obtained a general average of 97.3% in fire arms and 93.7% on the academic part of the course. As a result of the shoot off, which is determined by only a few points actually, the firearms award is hereby awarded to Xavier Forester. [applause] His name will also be added to the plaque that will hang in the classroom for all to see forever. Thank you very much. It was my pleasure, congratulations, go and do a good job for us. [applause] >> I would now like to call on Officer William Hanelly of the Altoona Police Dept. and member of the 100th class to come and explain and present our next award given by members of the class. >> Good afternoon. The inspirational classmate award is basically an award chosen like the director said by the class. Just whatever the popular vote is. The criteria for the award is set forth by the academy, is the cadet that has strived the hardest and overcome the most adversity to reach graduation day, has been the most challenged and has succeed by sheer determination, has demonstrated a positive attitude in all circumstances, has set an excellent example for other class members, has had a positive influence on the class as a whole and encourage the class to work as a team. The cadet that the 100th class chose embodies all of these criteria. The inspiration he's given the class derives mostly from the fact that despite a serious medical issue in the academy, he demonstrated true grit and determination without complaint to overcome a problem that probably would have sidelined a lot of people. I say without complaint, when in fact for about the first 17 weeks of the 20 week academy, no body knew he could even talk. [laughter] So, with pleasure, I present to you Cadet Eric Rodgers to receive the most inspirational classmate award. [applause] Thank you. >> Last but not least, Lt. Carroll Wagner will present our final individual award for highest academic achievement. >> It's my distinct honor to present this award. Is based on the highest academic average over the entire academy, and this consists about 22 written examinations. Cadets must attain at least 75% in order to pass each exam. First aide they must attain and 80%. They spent a lot of hard hours of studying, they formed study groups. I know they studied a lot at home, family stuck by them and it's my distinct honor to present this award to Eric Albright of Ferguson Township Police Department. [applause] >> Without further delay, we would now like to present the certificates of graduation. If Cadet Forester will you please present the class please. [commands] [commands] [commands] Families, if you would like to come forward and take photos, you are certainly welcome to do that. [music] Please hold your applause until the last certificate is presented. Chiefs who are looking for some good officers, please take note of our preservice cadets. While a couple of them have been hired, we still have an outstanding group from this class who are currently seeking employment. [music continues] Eric B. Albright, Ferguson Township Police Department. Joel J. Ayers, Manheim Township Police Department. Jonathan A. Bailey, preservice. John F. Biesecker, Northern York Regional Police Department. Andrew L. Cortelazzi, preservice. Brett A. DeGroat, preservice. Joseph K. Detwiler, Altoona Police Department. Thomas G. DeWees, II, preservice. Phillip R. Eck, preservice. Xavier Forester, preservice. Bradley J. Frisbie, preservice. Ryan E. German, Hanover Borough Police Department. Timothy C. Gingrich, preservice. William T. Hanelly, Jr., Altoona Police Department. John Joseph Hanner, II, preservice. Joshua D. Hostetter, preservice. Joseph M. Lancaster, preservice. Matthew D. Lingo, preservice. Jonathan G. Lippy, preservice. Chad A. McGowan, preservice. Andrew W. Miller, Northern York Regional Police Department. Joseph W. Muller, preservice. Joshua J. Pastucka, preservice. His certificate will be presented by his father, retired Deputy Chief Richard Pastucka, Susquehanna Twp. Police Dept. [applause] Alton J. Pittman, Altoona Police Department. Charles Sheridan Pyatt, preservice. Eric W. Rodgers, preservice. Stefanie Ann Santucci, preservice. Jonathan J. Schlotzhauer, preservice. His certificate will be presented by his brother, Officer Jesse J. Schlotzhauer of the Elizabethtown Police Dept. and graduate of the 96th academy. [applause] Brennan P. Stamm, preservice. Matthew S. Straub, preservice. Jordan D. Thomas, preservice. Cadet Forester. [commands] I now present the 100th Police Academy. [applause]