The 56th graduating class of the Grand Valley Academy of Community and Public Safety was celebrated at the academy's graduation ceremony on December 18. Among the class of 35 recruits, many were sponsored through the academy or received conditional offers of employment by 15 different law enforcement agencies.
This graduating class is the third to complete the basic academy program at the renovated Frederick Meijer Campus in Holland.
MORE: GVSU's Academy of Community and Public Safety finishing first year at renovated Holland Campus
Chasity Bailey-Fakhoury, associate dean of GVSU’s College of Education and Community Innovation, called the GVSU Police Academy second to none in the state, highlighting the academy's commitment to exceeding the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards requirements by 124 hours of additional instruction.
Classes on de-escalation, unbiased policing and decision making, individual mental health and well-being and community team building were among the additional instruction hours.
The GVSU Police Academy boasts a nearly 93 percent program completion rate alongside a 99 percent pass rate for law enforcement licensing exams.
“You stand at the threshold of a profession that demands not only skill and courage, but also integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment to justice,” Bailey-Fakhoury said. “Throughout these 17 weeks that you all have experienced, you've been shown the full humanity in every individual you encounter and (a commitment) to uphold the dignity of those that you serve.”
