Graduating Montgomery County Community College Municipal Police Academy cadets stand at attention during the program’s Dec. 10 graduation ceremony. Thirty-seven new officers completed the program. Photo by Linda Johnson
Thirty-seven cadets from Montgomery County Community College’s Municipal Police Academy program took an important step forward toward careers in law enforcement, following the program’s graduation ceremony.
Of the graduating class members, 24 cadets were sponsored by area police departments coming into the Academy. Six cadets received conditional offers upon completion of the program. Twenty-eight cadets were scheduled to take the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission exam Dec. 12, the final hurdle on the path to becoming law enforcement officers. The remaining nine cadets will join the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office.
Since 1973, the Municipal Police Academy at MCCC has been the training center for
more than 4,100 cadets with a consistent graduation rate of more than 90 percent.
During the Dec. 10 ceremony, Anthony Ginexi, Ed.D., Dean of Business and Professional Studies, told the cadets to never underestimate the difference they make.
“Your actions will have the power to build trust, to create safe spaces and to offer reassurance in moments of uncertainty,” he said. “You will be the person others look to when they feel their most helpless and you will have the opportunity to turn it around for them. It is an honorable and selfless person who accepts that responsibility.”
The Academy requires 919 hours of training and 26 exams, said Georgette Hill, ’86, Director of the Municipal Police Academy. She told the graduating cadets to treat members of the public with grace and kindness, even when they feel antagonized.
“You can’t take things said to you personally,” she said. “It’s not against the individual.
They see a badge, they see a gun, they see you in uniform. Learn to forgive; they
don’t know the broader picture … We’re here to do good, stop bad and help people.”
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele encouraged the cadets to become peacemakers in their communities.
“You’re not only a leader, but a role model,” he said. “Don’t do things right. Do the right things. You will be tested. You’re a person in the community whom people look up to.”
Class valedictorian cadet Felipe Moreira, an immigrant from Sao Paulo, Brazil, told
his classmates to become servants to their communities.
“It’s not about you,” he said. “Put the needs of a stranger before your own. Choose humility over ego.”
Guest speaker Sgt. Michael Burton, Whitemarsh Township Police Department, told the cadets to always maintain a professional attitude, because it reflects their character.
“Take pride and purpose,” he said. “The uniform represents something bigger than yourself.”
Hill later recognized the achievements of Class 2502. Cadet Lt. Daniel R. Lally III received the Sgt. James R. Miller Marksmanship Award for attaining the highest scoduring marksmanship training. He also received the Platoon Leader Merit Award. This award is presented to the Platoon Leader in each Academy class for their commitment, work ethic, and outstanding leadership.
Cadet Staff Sgt. Travis Pannella received the Award of Distinction, which is presented to the cadet in each Academy class who best demonstrates the qualities of dedication and teamwork.
Cadet Sgt. Joel D. Moore received the Professional Development Award, which is given to the cadet in each Academy class who has shown the greatest overall development and improvement.
Cadet Sgt. Oumar B. Sissoko received the Cpl. Brian Kozera Physical Fitness Award. The award is given to the cadet in each Academy class who has motivated others to perform at their peak abilities and has shown the highest overall standard in physical fitness.
"Your actions will have the power to build trust, to create safe spaces and to offer reassurance in moments of uncertainty."- Anthony Ginexi, Ed.D., Dean of Business and Professional Studies
Cadets Anthony Lumma & Jason Rudi each received a $6,887 Quest for the Best Scholarship Award from the Quest for the Best Foundation, covering their entire tuition for the Academy. Quest provides funds and/or services “to those who are committed to strengthening the common good of mankind.”
Lastly, Cadet Lt. Daniel R. Lally III received the $1,000 Whitpain Police Association Award, which is given to a cadet that has exemplified superior conduct throughout the duration of the Police Academy program. The award goes to the cadet who went above and beyond to help, encourage, and support their fellow cadets.
The graduates of Class 2502 John W. Alexander, Chalfont; Nathan A. Boardman, Guatemala
City, Guatemala; Paula M. Borra, Spring City; Sean P. Boyer, Havertown; Casey J. Decker,
Huntingdon Valley; Sgt. Philip J. DiWilliams, Philadelphia; Walt P. Erskine, Philadelphia;
Lynda Feddi, Algeria; Sgt. Justin T. Fisher, King of Prussia; Sgt. Montrell Frisby,
Phoenixville; Jesus O. Hernandez, Colorado; Berlyn O. Jimenez, Madrid, Spain; Hannah
M. Kloberdanz, Horsham; Lt. Daniel R. Lally III, Redondo Beach, Calif.; Gavin R. Leh,
Doylestown; Anthony S. Lumma, Newtown; Matthew R. McCormick, Mount Laurel, N.J.; Taylor
R. McKee, Pottstown; Sean D. Metz, Warminster; Paul Minnicks, Bechtelsville; Sgt.
Joel D. Moore, Philadelphia; Felipe R. Moreira, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Staff Sgt. Travis
J. Pannella, Phoenixville; Sean P. Perry, Yardley; Michael W. Pinto, Boyertown; Liam
C. Ramsey, Hatfield; Jason P. Rudi, Warminster; Shaun P. Schofield, Philadelphia;
Sgt. James E. Scott, Philadelphia; Cynthia E. Sheehy, Lansdale; Sgt. Oumar B. Sissoko,
Philadelphia; Dylan A. Taliaferro, Philadelphia; Aung C. Tha, Burlington, Wis.; Joel
L. Toledo, Jamison; Najee S. Ward-Cooper, Philadelphia; Taj J. Weems, Philadelphia;
James F. Williams, Philadelphia.
The Municipal Police Academy’s 919-hour curriculum allows successful students to articulate up to 15 credit hours toward an associate degree in Criminal Justice. The Academy is certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission. Many of the Academy’s alumni serve as officers and in leadership roles throughout Montgomery County and the region. MCCC operates the Municipal Police Academy in the Health Sciences Center at the Blue Bell Campus.