GVSU Police Academy celebrates 57th graduating class on Valley Campus

After 17 weeks of training, the Grand Valley State University Police Academy's summer cadre celebrated their graduation. The academy's 24 recruits, their instructors and their families filled the Louis Armstrong Theatre on August 26. 

Academy Director Geoffrey Collard said that every class of recruits takes on its own personality, and this summer's was no different, with a strong camaraderie among the group.

“Ultimately you all learned from each other,” said Collard, addressing the recruits. “You shared every type of emotion during the past 17 weeks, but overall you have shown a tremendous amount of resiliency.”

The GVSU Police Academy is recognized as one of the top academies in the state. Sherril Soman, dean of the College of Education and Community Innovation, emphasized the academy's long-held practice of going beyond Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement standards for instruction hours.

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.

“That preparation produces remarkable results,” Soman said, citing the academy's 93 percent program completion rate, 98 percent licensing exam pass rate and 98 percent employment rate. “Those numbers are impressive, but ultimately, the measure of this program and of each of you will be found in how you serve. Policing, at its best, can strengthen communities, build trust and make a meaningful difference in people's lives.”

Joseph Trigg, chief of the Grand Rapids Police Department, served as the ceremony's keynote speaker. Trigg told recruits that while they cannot be perfect, their integrity and training will be a guide for their decision making and public service.

“What you can do, though, is be a hardworking, selfless professional, someone who is courageous, compassionate, helpful and understands that high standards are not something to fear and should be embraced,” Trigg said. “What will define you in your career is not just the lessons you have learned; its how you carry those lessons forward.”

GVPD welcomes sponsored officer

The Grand Valley Police Department sponsored recruit Nigel Brooks through the academy during the summer session. Brooks served as a GVPD cadet during his undergraduate studies at GVSU. He will join GVPD this fall.