It was a momentous occasion Tuesday, December 12 for five graduates of Reinhardt University’s Police Academy. Carl Crumbley, Karina Garcia, Max Ledesma-Ortiz, Bradley Selz, and Darren Starchie are the newest graduates of the Basic Law Enforcement Training Course. They were presented with Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Peace Officer Certifications. Family, friends, and distinguished guests witnessed the culmination of months of training to become a certified police officer in the state of Georgia.
Bradley Selz led the Pledge of Allegiance and delivered the Class Reflections, and Max Ledesma-Ortiz delivered the invocation. Selz received the Top Gun award for the best shooting average, and the Top Academic award.
Retired Avondale Estates Police Chief Paul Conroy delivered the graduation address. Assistant Professor, Captain Jeffrey Black introduced the class and proclaimed, “We are very fortunate to have the quality and caliber of the people we have in this academy. Go forward and serve with honor, integrity, and professionalism.”
One of the graduates, Max Ledesma-Ortiz joined the Reinhardt Department of Public Safety and was sworn in as a public safety officer by President Mark A. Roberts, PhD the following day. Darren Starchie will be sworn in and join Reinhardt’s team next week.
As part of the Public Safety Institute, Reinhardt’s Police Academy is certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. The 20-week Basic Law Enforcement Training Course, taught by seasoned instructors, offers flexible sessions for working adults. The certification includes a credit of 15 semester hours towards a Criminal Justice associate degree.
