VCU Police Basic Law Enforcement Academy Holds 37th Graduation Exercises

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Graduation exercises were held for seven men who successfully completed 17 weeks of intense training during the 37th Basic Law Enforcement Academy conducted by the Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department

The graduates were recognized at a ceremony Aug. 10 at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts.

VCU Police Chief John Venuti emphasized to the new graduates that the department and society will hold them to a higher standard.

“The community at VCU will expect you to be a role model and leader each and every day,” said Venuti.  “You will be someone that will be looked up to by those from a younger generation that are still impressionable, moldable and trying to find their own destination in life.” 

Richmond General District Court Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland served as keynote speaker and challenged the graduates to make a difference in the lives of those who they will encounter over the course of their policing careers.

“I encourage you with the enthusiasm of your youth and the commitment to your oath to make a difference in any way that you can,” Thorne-Begland said.

Class members received extensive training in criminal and traffic law, emergency vehicle operations, firearms, defensive tactics, ethics, investigations, victimology, anti-hate and terrorism, crisis intervention and community policing.

James P. Burke represented the 37th Basic Law Enforcement Academy as class president.

The graduating class included representatives of the VCU and Virginia Union Police departments.

  • Edwin J. Alvarez, Virginia Commonwealth University Police
  • James P. Burke, Virginia Commonwealth University Police
  • Tra’Quann L. Buskey, Virginia Commonwealth University Police
  • Sintell M. Crew, Virginia Commonwealth University Police
  • Jeffrey R. Grant, Virginia Commonwealth University Police
  • Robert B. Jones, Virginia Union University Police
  • Jason M. Wyne, Virginia Commonwealth University Police

Crew received the class award for scholastic achievement and best combined achievement. Jones received an award for best marksmanship and Grant received an award for best emergency vehicle operation. Physical fitness awards were presented to Crew and Grant.

Those present at the ceremony also honored retired Capt. Grant Warren, a longtime academy director who retired from the VCU Police Department earlier this summer after nearly 30 years with the force.