SSCC Basic Peace Officers complete training

The cadets of Southern State Community College's Basic Peace Officers Training Program were recognized at a special ceremony held August 16 at the college's Fayette Campus in Washington Court House.

Six cadets were recognized for completing the six-month program which covers the fundamentals of entry-level peace officer training and includes courses in laws, administrative functions, firearms, human relations, criminal investigations, traffic accident investigations, traffic enforcement, patrols, civil disorders and prisoner bookings.

Students earn 24 college credit hours which may be applied to the law enforcement associate degree program at Southern State. The new cadets join approximately 250 cadets before them since the program started in 1997.

Students who completed the training program include Robert L. Banks of Hillsboro, Jeffrey L. Felder Jr. of Wilmington, Felicia R. Hester of Greenfield, Shannon K. Plumlee of Washington C.H, Cody A. Romohr of Wilmington, and Eric S. Tyree of Wilmington.

"I want to wish you all the best of luck," said guest speaker Captain Edwin F. Schmid III. "You've accomplished one hurdle-you've completed the academy. Your second hurdle is the state test. I have faith in you; you're going to pass that test and you're going to start your career in law enforcement. And knowing that you're out there on the street, I'll be able to sleep better at night knowing we're all protected by Ohio's finest."

Following Schmid's address to the students, Robin Roche, commander of the Greenfield Peace Officers Academy, announced award winners, including the Academic Award which was presented to Shannon Plumlee.

In honor of the late Tim Fryer, a former officer with the Greenfield Police Department, the Fighting Spirit Award was presented to Felicia Hester. For expertise in the firearms component and in honor of the late Harry Smithson, the Top Gun Award was presented to Cody Romohr, who also earned the Physical Fitness Award which was presented in honor of the late David Soprano. Jeffrey L. Felder Jr. earned the Outstanding Leadership Award.

"As a kid I was a huge super-hero fan. I loved the Hulk, Wolverine, Spiderman," said Cadet Jeffrey L. Felder Jr. who was invited to provide the student remarks.

"I always told myself I would be one of those unique individuals with special powers who could save people from harm. After realizing I couldn't turn green when I was mad, or make knives come out of my fists, or shoot spider webs out of my wrists, I was determined to become a hero in some form. And here I stand with five other heroic people, accomplishing our dreams to become police officers and make a difference in society. I guess, after all, I never really needed a cape or knives or the ability to shoot spider webs. Sometimes it doesn't take supernatural powers to be a hero. In all reality, all it takes is heart and courage."

Most coursework for the training program takes place at Southern State's Fayette Campus in Washington C.H. Instructors are recruited from various state, county and local law enforcement and corrections agencies. In concert with the Basic Peace Officers Training Program, Southern State also offers an associate's degree in law enforcement.

For more information about the Basic Peace Officers Training Program, please contact Commander Robin A. Roche at 1-800-628-7722, ext. 5657, for registration information.