FORT PIERCE — Indian River State College announced the graduation of its 176th Basic Law Enforcement Academy class. The ceremony took place July 29 in Bailey Auditorium at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex in Fort Pierce.

Seventeen cadets received their law enforcement certification, marking a significant milestone in their public service careers. The law enforcement certification is a mandatory credential that validates an individual’s successful completion of mandatory training and qualifies them to serve as a sworn police officer in Florida.

The graduating class includes Stefano Barbieri, Bradley Bell, Zachary Brady, Adam Crum, Maria Duran, Christopher Fernandez, Winny Gallego, Jose Gamez Jr., Brock Hamilton, Isabell Jean, Branden Lanier, Keith Martinek, Ashley Montoya, Makayla Petithomme, Manuel Ramirez Jr. , Samuel Rexford and Jeromy Young.

Several students were also awarded their Associate of Science degrees in Criminal Justice Technology.

The innovative, two-year Law Enforcement Academy track is offered in a paramilitary format, designed to provide students with the skills, abilities and training for a successful law enforcement career. The program exposes students to a strong pedagogical foundation in collegiate-level general education and major criminal justice courses, while also providing training in law enforcement structure and discipline.

“Today we celebrate the graduation of our 176th Law Enforcement Academy class and the launch of 17 promising careers dedicated to public service,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College. “We are proud of their accomplishments and confident in the positive impact they will have on the safety and well-being of our communities.”

“The graduates represent the very best of Indian River State College for their integrity, courage and commitment to public safety,” said Lou Caprino, Indian River State College’s dean of public service. “We congratulate them on their graduation and look forward to their positive impact on communities throughout the state.”

Indian River State College is the leading provider of law enforcement personnel to the region’s public safety agencies. Over the past three years, 343 Indian River State College recruits have achieved a 95% placement rate, with 70% placed in 13 local law enforcement departments in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.

The Indian River State College Criminal Justice Institute is certified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conduct authorized Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission courses.

This article was originally published on the Palm Beach Post: Indian River State College is graduating the 176th Law Enforcement Academy class