VCU news

By Mike Porter

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services Virginia Values Veterans program has awarded its Silver Level Certification to the Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department for the department’s commitment to hiring and retaining veterans.

The force had previously been awarded the program’s Bronze Level Certification for pledging to hire and retain a minimum of three veterans in 2013. By hiring four veterans last year and planning to hire at least three more this year, the department qualified for Silver Level Certification.

In a Jan. 27 letter to the police department announcing the new certification, Virginia Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Paul E. Galanti praised the force’s continued emphasis on recruiting, hiring, training and retaining Virginia’s veterans.

“You will have the full support of my office, and of our program managers, as we continue to work together to create employment opportunities for veterans,” Galanti wrote.

In addition to pledging to hire three additional veterans in 2014, the police department will work with Virginia Values Veterans on assessment and training for the hired veterans.  

“Being awarded Silver Level Certification is an honor and recognizes our efforts to attract and retain qualified veterans to our force,” said Chris Preuss, assistant chief of police. “Veterans bring a number of positive qualities and solid experience to the VCU Police Department.”

Preuss said the department will take steps to pursue Gold Level Certification in the future.

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