Area Police Officers Graduate from SUNY Canton's Law Enforcement Academy

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CANTON, NY (06/25/2018) Most of the area's newest police officers started their careers at SUNY Canton's St. Lawrence County-David Sullivan Law Enforcement Academy.

The academy recently celebrated its 23rd graduation ceremony, recognizing its 2018 class of 13 cadets.

"It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to work with these individuals over the last several months," noted Academy Director Joseph W. Brown. "Always remember to serve your communities with dignity and respect. You will represent your agencies with integrity and dedication."

Brown also challenged the graduates to continue their training at every opportunity. "The job is always changing, and you must evolve with it," he said.

SUNY Canton's law enforcement training includes two phases. The first phase provides pre-employment training that encompasses the skills required to become a police officer. Cadets complete courses in emergency medical services, emergency vehicle operation and defensive tactics. Upon being sworn in as a police officer, cadets then complete phase two. Topics covered include police arrest techniques, firearms and counterterrorism training.

At the graduation ceremony, cadets are either sworn in as officers of their associated sponsoring agency or are acknowledged for their completion of pre-employment training. The officers and graduates of this year's ceremony were:

  • Gregory J. Anderson, who began a career as a St. Lawrence County Sheriff's deputy. Anderson won a defensive tactics award, a firearms award and an emergency vehicle operations award.
  • Clifford S. Barnes, who began a career as a St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police officer.
  • Tewasherake Barnes, who began a career as a St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police officer.
  • Joshua Belile, who completed pre-employment training. Belile received an award for earning the highest GPA in the academy and graduated from the college's Homeland Security program.
  • Joshua L. Burke, who began a career as a Norwood Village Police officer.
  • Katherine Burnham, who began a career as a Norfolk Village Police officer. Burnham won the academy director's award for overall effort and also graduated from the college's Criminal Investigation program.
  • Jenna L. Kiskiel, who completed pre-employment training and was then hired by the Rome Police Department. Kiskiel graduated from the college's Criminal Investigation program.
  • Alex M. Lambiaso, who completed pre-employment training. Lambiaso graduated from the college's Criminal Investigation program.
  • Matthew T. Merria, who began a career as a St. Lawrence County Sheriff's deputy. Merria won a physical fitness award.
  • Anthony M. Montgomery, who began a career as a Norwood Village Police officer.
  • Tylor G. Reynolds, who began a career as a Norwood Village Police officer. Reynolds served as the class vice president.
  • Tylar J. Thomas, who began a career as a St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police officer.
  • Johnathan M. Ward, who began a career as a Norwood Village Police officer. Ward served as the class President and received the David Sullivan Best Overall Cadet award.

About the SUNY Canton Police Academy

The St. Lawrence County-David Sullivan Law Enforcement Academy is the only educational option for sworn law enforcement officers in St. Lawrence County. The college has offered the New York State Basic Course for Police Officers since 1996. The academy is accredited by the New York State Bureau for Municipal Police and is one of six in the state to be approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Public Safety. It is named in honor of the late Canton Village Chief of Police, David Sullivan. Students in the college's Criminal Justice programs can complete their education by enrolling in the academy during their senior year.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service and recently received number one rankings in library resources, library services and tutoring services in the SUNY Student Opinion Survey. The college's faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 13 online degree programs. The college's 15 athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level and are joining the North Atlantic Conference beginning in the 2018-19 academic year. For more information, visit www.canton.edu.