Columbus, OH – Cole A. Williams from the Lancaster Police Department was among the 44 officers who graduated from the 150th Basic Peace Officer Class. The graduation ceremony took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy.
This was a special graduation for one Lancaster officer, Terry Williams watching his son graduate and then follow in his footsteps to work alongside him at Lancaster police department. Officer Williams has been in the academy since February and is excited to start his career in law enforcement.
The 21-week intensive training program, which started in February, provided comprehensive instruction in over 150 subjects, including criminal law, traffic law, community relations, physical training, self-defense, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, standardized field sobriety testing, and electronic speed measuring devices. The course meets and exceeds the requirements set by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and is recognized for its excellence by the Ohio Attorney General as a “STAR-certified” academy.
Jonathan Shih of the Bexley Police Department was chosen by his peers to be the class speaker and addressed the assembly. Class honors were awarded to the following individuals:
- Overall Top Performer: Stephen M. Moore, Bay Village Police Department
- Top Academics: Jonathan Shih, Bexley Police Department
- Top Firearms: Stephen J. Shafer, Mansfield Division of Police
- Top Physical Fitness: Korban B. Bradshaw, Mentor Police Department
- Top Driving: Troy R. Sutliff, Twinsburg Police Department
Chief Jay McDonald of the Marion Police Department delivered an inspiring address to the graduates, their families, and fellow law enforcement officers. Remarks were also made by Ohio Department of Public Safety Chief of Staff Benjamin B. Suver and Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol Superintendent.
Officer Cole A. Williams’s graduation is a significant achievement for the Lancaster Police Department, reflecting their dedication to maintaining a highly trained and professional law enforcement team.
For a complete list of graduates and their respective agencies, refer to the attached document.
