Aug. 25, 2008

Virginia Commonwealth University Police Academy recognizes 12 at 34th Basic Academy graduation exercises

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By Mike Porter

The Virginia Commonwealth University Police Academy awarded diplomas Friday to 12 men and women who completed training in the 34th Basic Academy. 

VCU Police Chief Col. Willie B. Fuller and Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. W. Steven Flaherty presented diplomas to the graduates during ceremonies at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts.

Flaherty served as keynote speaker and recognized the graduates for their accomplishment.

“Congratulations to you on your performance and your professionalism over the last several months,” Flaherty said. “This is a career that’s like no others that exist. The citizens of Virginia and visitors are lucky to have you.” 

Capt. Grant Warren, academy director and deputy chief of support services, also addressed the class.

“Although today concludes this academy, it marks the beginning of 12 new police careers in a challenging new era of global justice,” Warren said. “We urge you to go forth to serve our public as you have pledged, remembering our ethics and feeding your desire to help others.”

VCU Police Academy graduates received a badge from family members, friends and loved ones. Here, graduate Jacelle Winston (left) receives his badge at the conclusion of the VCU Police Basic Academy graduation exercises. Winston also received a physical fitness award. Photo by: Melissa Gordon, VCU Office of University Communications and Public Relations.
VCU Police Academy graduates received a badge from family members, friends and loved ones. Here, graduate Jacelle Winston (left) receives his badge at the conclusion of the VCU Police Basic Academy graduation exercises. Winston also received a physical fitness award. Photo by: Melissa Gordon, VCU Office of University Communications and Public Relations.

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

The graduating class comprises representatives of the VCU Police, the University of Richmond Police Department, the Capitol Police Department, the LaCrosse, Va., Police Department and two criminal justice interns from VCU’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.

Graduates are:

    R. Thomas Crawford, LaCrosse Police Department

    John Fabian, Capitol Police Department

    Lance Gatewood, VCU Police Department

    Kyle J. Hildreth, VCU Police Department

    A. Victoria Jones, LaCrosse Police Department

    Shawn W. Kelley, VCU Intern

    Cory B. Neace, VCU Police Department

    James C. Powell, VCU Police Department

    Nicole Smith, University of Richmond Police Department

    Adam Stampfel, Capitol Police Department

    Michael West, VCU Intern

    Jacelle Winston, VCU Police Department

Crawford received the class awards for scholastic achievement and best marksmanship. Stampfel received the best emergency vehicle operations award. Physical fitness awards were presented to Gatewood, Hildreth, Powell and Winston. Smith received the most improved fitness award. The best combined achievement award was presented to Gatewood, who also served as class president.