Cal U’s first full-time police academy cadets graduate
Sixteen cadets graduated from California University of Pennsylvania's first full-time IUP Police Academy Tuesday.
Chase Taylor of Donora is recognized for receiving a scholarship to attend California University of Pennsylvania's first full-time IUP Police Academy training Tuesday. The scholarship is to increase diversity among police. On stage are Washington County District Attorney Eugene A. Vittone, at right and Director of ACT120 Police Academies Dennis Marsili.
The inaugural class of California University of Pennsylvania’s full-time IUP Police Academy graduated Tuesday with certifications to become municipal police officers.
“Today’s police officer must be prepared to handle complicated and difficult situations,” said program coordinator Dr. Michael Hummell, a Cal U professor and part-time Charleroi police officer. “This program takes a community-oriented approach to policing. We stress procedural justice — treating people with dignity and respect — along with professionalism, communication, responsibility and accountability. We want intelligent police officers out there on the streets, serving our communities.”
The 16 graduates completed 760 hours of training. Some of these training moments were highlighted in a video played at the graduation, highlighting the cadets in target practice, defensive driving and exercise drills. The cadets learned what it feels like to have O.C. spray in their faces and a stun gun deployed on them. The audience laughed as cadets were shown dropping to a mat with “Bodies” by Drowning Pool playing in the background.
“Watching these videos, all this pales in comparison to what we are about to face,” said class President Sebastian Cencich of Eighty-Four.
Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert addressed the graduates, saying while the public view of police has declined in recent years, most people still respect them. He referenced officers in Pittsburgh who took a homeless man to a Pittsburgh Penguins game, took a hungry man to buy food and donated Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas presents.
“They don’t do it to look good,” he said.
He encouraged the cadets to always strive for the best, and strive to make changes when they observe shortcomings.
Chase Taylor of Donora said he wants to bring a different perspective to the police force as an African American.
He received a $4,000 scholarship to attend the program and increase diversity among police, said Washington County District Attorney Eugene A. Vittone.
“I just want to make a change,” Taylor said.
Daniel Reda of Masontown said he plans to fight against a poor public image of police by doing his best every day.
“I like the idea of helping people,” he said.
Chase Colucci of Finleyville decided he wanted to become a police officer in fourth grade when a local officer visited his class.
“I want to be that person to protect others,” he said.
Schubert encouraged the graduates to remember “the spark” that drove them to become police officers, whether it was a family member in law enforcement, an inspiring police officer, a drive for justice or a desire to help others.
“Quite possibly, it’s simply a divine feeling you’ve had your whole life,” he said to the graduates.
“Use every open door to help lead you to the next door,” he said. “I leave you with this final charge: Take what you’ve learned. Seize the moment, because the possibilities are endless.”