Virginia Commonwealth University Police Academy recognizes 18 at 33rd Basic Academy graduation exercises

Share this story

The Virginia Commonwealth University Police Academy awarded diplomas Friday to 18 men and women who completed training in the 33rd Basic Academy. 

John M. Bennett, VCU’s senior vice president for Finance and Administration, VCU Police Chief Col. Willie B. Fuller and Attorney General Bob McDonnell presented diplomas to the graduates during ceremonies at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts.

“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.”

VCU Police Academy graduate Brandy Matthews (left) receives a badge from her grandmother Linda White at the conclusion of the VCU Police Basic Academy graduation exercises.  Matthews also received the “Best Combined Achievement” award. Photo by: Mike Porter/ VCU News Services
VCU Police Academy graduate Brandy Matthews (left) receives a badge from her grandmother Linda White at the conclusion of the VCU Police Basic Academy graduation exercises. Matthews also received the “Best Combined Achievement” award. Photo by: Mike Porter/ VCU News Services

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.

McDonnell served as keynote speaker and congratulated the graduates for their accomplishment.

“I salute you for choosing this honorable profession,” McDonnell said.  “You are that thin blue or gray line between lawlessness and order.”

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

“Our academy has a good reputation, particularly with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and with all of the surrounding local departments,” said Sgt. Jon McAchren, assistant academy director.

The graduates are:

  • Marketa Brown, Virginia State University Police Department
  • Bradford Comer, VCU Police Department
  • Kyle Frail, VCU Internship/Pre-Service
  • Jason Helton, VCU Police Department
  • Nicholas Hill, VCU Police Department
  • Brandy Matthews, VCU Police Department
  • David Owens, VCU Police Department
  • Christopher Quintero, VCU Internship/Pre-Service
  • Jennifer Reimann, VCU Police Department
  • Shana Robinson, VCU Police Department
  • Matthew Ruland, VCU Police Department
  • Tony Rumsey, VCU Police Department
  • Michael Schneider, VCU Police Department
  • Mark Sergent, VCU Police Department
  • Horace Thompson, Virginia State University Police Department
  • Shany’e Thompson, Virginia State University Police Department
  • Geoffrey VanBenthuysen, VCU Police Department
  • Paul Witten, University of Richmond Police Department

Witten received the class award for scholastic achievement. Sergent was recognized for best marksmanship. Physical fitness awards were presented to Comer, Tuland and Horace Thompson.  The Best Combined Achievement award was presented to Brandy Matthews.