Montco Police Academy Graduates 28 New Officers

BLUE BELL, PA — The newest crop of police officers in the region graduated from Montgomery County Community College’s Municipal Police Academy recently.

The academy's Class 2301 celebrated 28 graduates, 15 of whom have already been hired by local police departments.

“Less than one quarter of one percent of the population of the United States has earned the right to wear this uniform,” Tredyffrin Township Detective Michael Cermignano, the class speaker, said during commencement. “And over 23,000 who have worn it have made the ultimate sacrifice. This uniform is a symbol of authority, pride, safety and honor. It is the uniform of a law enforcement officer."

The school recognized five students for excellence at graduation. The Sgt. James R. Miller Marksmanship Award was won by Jacob Hennessey, the Award of Distinction was won by Staff Sgt. John Hayward, the Professional Development Award was won by Emilitza Trujillo, the Corporal Brian Kozera Physical Fitness Award was won by Colby Goldsmith, and the Platoon Leader Merit Award was won by Cadet Lt. Travis Hodes.

Members of the graduating class and their hometowns are listed below:

Andy Bertrand, Hatboro; Ryan Comfort, Philadelphia; Matthew Davison, Warrington; Thomas P. Ford, Warminster; Robert Giantonio, Kinnelon, N.J.; Colby P. Goldsmith, Royersford; Sgt. Karly Harney, Southampton; Staff Sgt. John P. Hayward, West Chester; Sgt. Riley Hefner, East Greenville; Jacob F. Hennessey, Schwenksville; Veronica B. Hires, Abington; Lt. Travis Hodes, Gilbertsville; Christopher Javier, Philadelphia; Liam K. Krimmel, Langhorne; Michael J. Leonhauser, Levittown; Patrick M. Miller, Philadelphia; Sgt. Alexander K. Moyer, Souderton; Charles R. Norwood, Coatesville; Sgt. Sean Ralph, Collegeville; Patrick J. Reckner, Lansdale; Delaney K. Richardson, Collegeville; Adrian Sasin, Lawrenceville; Jacob E. Shear, Souderton; Talon C. Simon, Collegeville; Anthony L. Stevenson, Douglassville; Madison R. Taylor, Bensalem; Emilitza Trujillo, Plymouth Meeting; Tyler F. VanDeVen, Harleysville.