Law Enforcement Academy honors recruits, focuses on integrity
(Bradenton, FL—January 17, 2020) The Manatee Technical College Law Enforcement Academy honored four exceptional recruits on January 15. They were among 17 recruits being celebrated for their completion of the academy.
Sixteen from this class already have jobs in process. Three of them were recruited at the ceremony. The MTC Academy is one of the toughest to get into in the State. Only 3 in 10 applicants are accepted. They are an elite group before they even start.
Angel (“AJ”) Velazquez was honored for his skills as class leader. Enzo Rivera earned the Top Gun award for having the best firearms skills in the class. Assistant class leader Sherry Nichols earned the award for the best driving skills. Caleb Baker earned the highest academic achievement award.
Palmetto Police Chief Scott Tyler was the keynote speaker. Academy director Jay Romine was the Master of Ceremonies. Both Tyler and Romine emphasized “integrity” in their remarks to the class. Tyler impressed upon them that it was “the most important attribute of a law enforcement officer.”
The most moving moment of the evening was when, at the conclusion of the ceremony, Romine asked the recruits to stand, raise their right hands and take a law enforcement oath of honor. It was the first time he had ever asked a class to do so.
Successful completion of the MTC Law Enforcement Academy makes one eligible to take the State Certification Examination for Law Enforcement, the required test to become a Certified Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Florida. The graduates will take their state exams on Friday.
The MTC academy is approved by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The celebration took place in Cantrell Hall at Manatee Technical College at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
About Manatee Technical College
Manatee Technical College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. MTC has three campuses within the School District of Manatee County and offers over 50 career preparation programs, as well as continuing education and adult general education classes. The mission of MTC is to produce highly skilled individuals and resourceful leaders through collaborative education to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities and the workforce.
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Class of January 2020: Caleb Baker, Tyler Bond, Jesse Combs, Adam Finlayson, Hugo Garcia, Kevin Martin, Sherry Nichols, Edwards Nieves, Micah Osornio, Robert Pereyra Jr., Miguel Rodriguez, Enzo Rovira, Angel Velazquez, Matthew Verycken, Jaimie Welch, Keith Whitfield, and Tyler Williford.
Law Enforcement Oath of Honor: “On my honor, I will never betray my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of my community, and the agency I serve.” (International Association of Chiefs of Police)
