Recruits Graduate from Police Academy

The Montgomery County Police Academy held its graduation for the 58th Session Entrance Level Class at Northwest High School in Germantown on July 31.

The class, which began its training on January 28, includes thirty-seven officers from the Montgomery County Police Department, three deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, four officers from the Gaithersburg Police Department, and one officer from the Maryland National-Capital Park Police Department.  They will begin their field training next week.

Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger spoke to the graduates and reminded them that they each have “the responsibility to live up to their oath of office and carry on the tradition of delivering superior police service to the public.”

Manger spoke about Sergeant Mitch Hollis, a well-respected patrol supervisor from the 3rd District, who had retired just hours earlier, after a 36-year career.  Sergeant Hollis displayed a strong work ethic, a spirit for public service, and, most of all, integrity.  “He has left a legacy of leadership”, the Chief told the class.  “Today, you begin your legacy. Be safe, be smart, be kind, be fair, be compassionate and be honest.”

“Many officers have come before you, have served with pride, been faithful to their Code of Honor and served this County well. I expect no less from you,” said County Executive Ike Leggett. “I wish you much success and safety as you enter into one of the most important, challenging and rewarding careers in our great County.”

Several members of Session 58 were recognized for their individual accomplishments in specific areas of training:

Driver Training Award
—— Officer Christopher Kemble

Harry Hamilton Traffic Award
—— Officer Rebekkah Lutter

Firearms Award
—— Officer Daniel Burnett

Physical Training Award
—— Officer Christopher Brown

Crime Solvers Award
—— Officer Christopher Ruiz

Patrol Procedures Award
—— Officer Christopher Kemble

Class Speaker
—— Officer Howard Simon, Jr.

Captain James E. Daly, Jr. Award
—— Officer Rory Sugrue
Mrs. Fran Daly, wife of Captain James E. Daly, Jr., presented the award named in his honor to Officer Rory Sugrue. The Daly award is given to the recruit who best exemplifies the ideals of guidance, knowledge, courage, skill and dedication to public service for which Captain Daly so proudly stood. Captain Daly was killed in the line of duty in March of 1976.

Luke T. Hoffman Award for Academic Excellence
—— Officer Rebekkah Lutter
This award was presented by Luke’s parents to Officer Rebekkah Lutter.  Officer Hoffman was killed in the line of duty in April of 2007.  His coworkers, supervisors, and Academy instructors alike all spoke often of Luke’s continued endeavor for excellence.  The award is given to the recruit who attains the highest overall academic average.

“Montgomery County is known for having law enforcement agencies that rank very highly nationally, and the 45 new members who graduated today from the police academy will be excellent additions,” said Councilmember Phil Andrews, who chairs the Council’s Public Safety Committee. “I know that the training they received over the past six months was strenuous, testing and demanding—and these recruits have passed the most rigorous of challenges. I proudly welcome them and hope they each have long careers in law enforcement in our County.”

The graduates of Session 58 are as follows:

Montgomery County Police Department
Brandi A. Barber, Christopher T. Brown, Colleen P. Brown, Daniel W. Burnett, Julia S. Chesley, Daniel L. Ford, Dustin J. Fritz, Kyle-James A. Gable, Carrie N. Glascock, Joseph M. Groeger,  Cody C. Hobbs, Arick R. Jennings, James R. Kafchinski, Christopher M. Kemble, Whitney E. Kujawa, Nathan P. Larson, Noah A. Leotta, Rebekkah N. Lutter, Shannon C. Mattingly, Jonathan T. Morley, Nichole M. Nordmeyer, Ana C. Owen, Helga M. Owings, Michael S. Perry, Jonathan M. Pruziner, Katherine M. Renaud, Vincent P. Romano, Christopher S. Ruiz, Howard J. Simon Jr, Rory J. Sugrue, Willie L. Taft Jr, Edward M. Tamulevich, John E. Wagner, Gregory D. Walker, Matthew A. Walko, Tyler P. Wellen, Jamar J. Williamson

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
Michael W. Athey, Steven P. McDonald, Nickolas W. Parks

Gaithersburg Police Department
Justin D. Compton, Evan N. Milano, Alex J. Pockett, Nathan L. Provost

Maryland National-Capital Park Police Department
John M. Micele

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