MANSFIELD,
Pa. – The Mansfield University Municipal Police Academy graduated its 38th
class of cadets on Saturday, November 13th.
The
25-week Academy requires 919 hours of instruction and development of personal
skills. Graduating from a certified Act 120 academy is required to become a
municipal police officer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This year’s class
received an additional 100 hours of training, where cadets received credentials
to enhance their workforce development skills within the area of public safety.
“The successful completion of this
rigorous academy shows the perseverance of this class of cadets and their commitment
to a life of service,” said Dr. Bashar Hanna, interim president of Mansfield
University. “Congratulations to the 2021 class of Municipal Police Academy
graduates and best wishes.”
The
following cadets were members of the 2021 graduating class and are now eligible
to be certified as municipal police officers in Pennsylvania:
- Brandon S.
Eberly, Denver, Pa. - Jacob Marvin
Huling, Jersey Shore, Pa. - Nathaniel
Kendall, Williamsport, Pa. - Stephen
Thomas Kutches, Bellefonte, Pa. - Trevor Lee
Lachat, Bellefonte, Pa. - Cassandra
Jean Lageman, State College, Pa. - Christopher
Logue, Jersey Shore, Pa. - Jared
Mahosky, Jersey Shore, Pa.
Cassandra Lageman received The Christine Shegan Top Academic Award and Jacob Hulling received The James Fox Top Driver Award. Stephen Kutches was awarded The Barbara Butcher Top Physical Fitness Award and The Keith Graver Top Firearms Award.
Mansfield
University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, John Ulrich,
delivered opening remarks and Tioga County Commissioner Roger Bunn provided the
address to the graduates.
The
certificates were presented by Director of the M.U. Public Safety Training
Institute (MUPSTI) and Mansfield University Chief of Police, Scott Henry, and
Associate Provost, Dr. Josh Battin. Several law enforcement members from across
the region also presented the certificates to the cadets.
“This
class was excellent in many ways. The Grade Point Average was 94.2%, and the
mandated requirement is the cadets pass the course with an 80% GPA,” explained Chief
Henry. “With the education and training provided to them here at
Mansfield, our graduates are now able to enter the law enforcement career field
with proper and sufficient knowledge to be not only an asset to the departments
they will serve in, but also to the communities in which they will serve and
reside in.”
The
Mansfield University Police Academy was certified in 1977 and graduated its
first class in 1978.
The
curriculum includes criminal law and investigation, vehicle code, accident
investigation, first aid and CPR, operation of patrol vehicles, crisis
management, defensive tactics, and firearms. In addition to Chief Henry, 26
other instructors from various law enforcement organizations and other related
entities are involved in the cadets’ training.
Learn more about the Mansfield University Municipal Police Academy at mansfield.edu/police-academy.