Basic Patrol Academy celebrates new officers
A graduate receives a congratulatory kiss from a family member during the Basic Patrol Academy graduation on Dec. 9.
North Idaho College celebrated its Basic Patrol Academy’s 26th class in a graduation ceremony on Dec. 9 in the Edminster Student Union Building.
Eight students graduated from the program, including six recruited and sponsored by regional law enforcement agencies and two self-sponsored graduates, according to Basic Patrol Academy Program Coordinator and Instructor Fred Swanson.
The NIC Basic Patrol Academy, which follows the format of a police academy, is accredited by the Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training Council. Local law enforcement experts serve as instructors throughout the training, a partnership that Swanson called “the backbone of the program.”
“Without the dedicated cadre of instructors who constantly juggle their busy schedules to accommodate the academy schedule, this program would not be successful,” Swanson said.
The partnership between these graduates and local law enforcement agencies continues past their graduation, too. A majority of graduates in this class were sponsored by local agencies to complete the program and will begin their careers with Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and Coeur d’Alene Police Department.
NIC Interim President Michael Sebaaly said it’s an honor to have the Basic Patrol Academy as part of the college’s programming.
“This program helps serve and meet the needs of our community,” Sebaaly said. “To our graduates, thank you for your service; thank you for stepping up and your willingness to step up and be a difference in this community. Your service is a very important aspect of our lives and ensures the freedom of us all.”
Kootenai County District Judge Tim Van Valin, who administered the code of ethics to the graduating class, reminded the new deputies and officers of the responsibilities of their careers, the importance of fact in their reports and the inherent challenges of the field.
“You are always in the view of the public,” Van Valin said. “You carry with you, with that badge, the reputation of your agency, so be very cognizant that you’re on stage all the time.”
Speakers – including graduating class president Brianna Barrick - also acknowledged and thanked friends and family attending the ceremony, recognizing the role graduates’ loved ones play and will continue to play in their careers.
“We are here before you today as new officers who are eager to take what we’ve learned and use that knowledge to better our community,” Barrick said. “But the reality is that we are not the only ones that signed up for the challenges that this career brings. As our family members, you are also subject to these challenges, pressures and fears that come with a law enforcement career.”
The program also forged “a family bonded by our shared experiences and perseverance” among graduates, Barrick said.
“We have endured these last few months together and have been met with blood, sweat and tears along the way, and OK, some laughter, too,” Barrick said. “… I could not have done this without you, and with each of you, I have found a brother or a sister.”
For more information about the NIC Basic Patrol Academy, contact Program Coordinator Fred Swanson at (208) 769-4376 or fred.swanson@nic.edu.
Posted: Monday, Jan. 3, 2022
