Virginia Commonwealth University Police Academy recognizes 13 at 32nd Basic Academy graduation exercises

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Graduate Carlos P. Nido, (second from right), shares a moment with family members following 32nd Basic Academy graduation exercises.  The academy sharpens skills and improves marketability for participants.  Nido has already landed a law enforcement job in Goochland County. Photo by: Leila Ugincius/University News Services
Graduate Carlos P. Nido, (second from right), shares a moment with family members following 32nd Basic Academy graduation exercises. The academy sharpens skills and improves marketability for participants. Nido has already landed a law enforcement job in Goochland County. Photo by: Leila Ugincius/University News Services

The Virginia Commonwealth University Police Academy recently awarded diplomas to 13 men and women who completed training in the 32nd Basic Academy. 

John M. Bennett, senior vice president for VCU Finance and Administration, and VCU Police Chief Col. Willie B. Fuller presented diplomas to the graduates during ceremonies at the W.E. Singleton Center for VCU Performing Arts on Aug. 25.

“This is a special day for us,” said Capt. Grant Warren, academy director and deputy chief of support services. “They have chosen the extraordinary path of becoming a criminal justice professional at a time when that commitment is increasingly rare.”

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.

Col. W. Gerald Massengill, interim director of Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and former superintendent of the Virginia State Police, served as keynote speaker. He told the graduates it takes a special blend of knowledge and character to be a successful law enforcement officer.

“I would submit that while what is in your head is important – it is what’s in your heart that counts,” Massengill said.  “People will see what’s in your heart.”

The graduating class includes representatives of the VCU Police, Virginia Union University Police Department, Virginia Capitol Police Department and six criminal justice interns from VCU’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.

“Our interns are combining what they’ve learned in the classroom with practical skills to enhance their marketability,” said criminal justice assistant professor Robyn D. Lacks.

Graduates include:

Loran Carter, VCU Police

Aaron B. Copenhaver, VCU Internship / Pre-Service

Caitlin M. Feeley, VCU Internship / Pre-Service

Randall Fish, VCU Internship / Pre-Service

Polly F. Griffin, VCU Police

Pagie Hancock, III, Virginia Union University Police Department

Derrick M. Hanks, VCU Police

Candace L. Krattiger, VCU Internship / Pre-Service

Ishaq Mikal Lee, VCU Police

Tramayne D. Mayo, VCU Police

Carlos P. Nido, VCU Internship / Pre-Service

James E. B. Owens, VCU Internship / Pre- Service

James L. Robinson, Sr., Virginia Capitol Police Department

Several in the class were recognized for exceptional performance, including Fish who won three awards for academic achievement, physical fitness and best combined achievement.  Fished scored an average of 98 percent on all of his tests.

Krattiger served as class president. In a speech to fellow graduates and their supporters, she said what the class learned at the academy will serve them for the rest of their careers.

“It has been a long and strenuous journey but we are thankful for the training and support we have received,” Krattiger said.