Monmouth County: Sheriff Shaun Golden is pleased to announce the graduation of 90 newly sworn law enforcement officers from the Monmouth County Police Academy. On May 28, nine recruits of the 108th Basic Course for Police Officers, 57 recruits from the 59th Basic Course for Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers and 24 recruits from the 44th Basic Course for County Correctional Police Officers received their Police Training Commission certifications during a ceremony at Brookdale Community College.

“There is no higher responsibility than being a member of law enforcement, which exemplifies commitment to service, sacrifice and unity. These fine men and women have demonstrated that, by persevering and successfully completing intense training which has prepared them to serve and protect our communities, with honor and integrity. I’m proud of their accomplishments and commend all for a job well done.” said Sheriff Shaun Golden, whose agency runs the Monmouth County Police Academy.

Both law enforcement classes, which were combined, consisted of 22 weeks with more than 800 hours of training run through the Monmouth County Police Academy.

All recruits train in patrol concepts, defensive driving, professional development, weaponry and unarmed defense, criminal investigation, ethics, emergency medical care and physical training, along with a host of other courses. The Basic Course for Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers has full police powers while on duty.

Training for the corrections class was 14 weeks where they engaged in physical training and drill and learned how to properly use firearms, batons, handcuffing techniques, and mechanical restraints. They were also trained in unarmed self-defense and emergency medical response.

Classroom instruction included topics on law enforcement and ethics, stress management, contraband and evidence processing, characteristics of inmates and drug interdiction and identification.

Upon successful completion of the police training commission approved curriculum, all the officers are well prepared to serve their respective law enforcement agencies and county correctional facilities.

“We would like to take a moment to welcome our newest police academy graduates to our Monmouth County law enforcement professionals,” said Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. “These officers are choosing public service, knowing that they will have to earn the trust of the residents they will be serving. We fully expect that they are up to this challenge and will serve their communities with honor, pride and distinction.”

“On behalf of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, I applaud each Police Academy graduate for choosing a career in law enforcement,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Your decision to protect and serve your communities is truly admirable, and we commend you for it. Monmouth County is proud to have some of the finest law enforcement professionals in the State, and I’m confident these graduates will continue to uphold that enduring legacy.”

BCPO, SLEO & BCCCPO AWARDS

Marksmanship Award – Alex Staats – SLEO II, Sea Bright PD & Nicholas Salmon – BCCCPO, Ocean County Department of Corrections

Physical Training Award – Austin Lilley – SLEO II, Sea Girt PD & Natale Iannello – BCCCPO, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections Division

Academic Award – Matthew Hozer – BCPO, Keyport PD & Derric Esporrin,- BCCCPO, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections Division

Traffic Officers Association Award – Alex Staats – SLEO II, Sea Bright PD

Military Service Achievement Award – Irwin Lopez-Gutierrez – SLEO II, Asbury Park PD

 Outstanding Trainee Award – Alex Staats – SLEO II, Sea Bright PD & Kevin McCarthy – BCCCPO, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections Division

Merit Award – Joseph Rice – SLEO II, Union Beach PD & Terrence Clendenin – BCCCPO, Ocean County Department of Corrections