Labor & Management
NEW RECRUITS GETTING READY TO HIT THE STREETS
By Gary S. Howell
Dec 16, 2003, 22:49

At the town board work session, on Monday, December 15th, Mr. Giza asked Police Chief Gary Stoldt when the new recruits will graduate from the police academy.

Chief Stoldt's reply: "They graduate tomorrow."

On Tuesday, December 16th, the six recruits graduated from the Erie County Department of Central Police Services Law Enforcement Training Academy. One of Lancaster's successful candidates graduated with top honors, achieving the highest proficiency average and the highest overall average. The class also includes the town's first female police officer. New York State mandates that new officers complete a certified training program. Erie County's Academy puts the recruits through a rigorous, 21 week course.

The next step for the recruits will be an evaluation and duty in the field training program. The programs are tailored to meet the needs of individual recruits. Police Captains Murphy and Zupelli established and oversee Lancaster's field training program.

Each recruit will be assigned to a Field Training Officer (FTO). They will work alongside the FTO until they complete the program.

Some of them may complete their training quicker because of prior experience. One of the recruits is a former Virginia Beach police officer and another is a former Immigrations and Naturalization Services officer.

All of the new officers will be ready to go out on their own by mid-March.

Police Chief Stoldt is proud of his new officers. According to Stoldt, "Lancaster has six real good recruits."

To the new officers: Welcome to Lancaster and thank you for making our town a safe place to live.



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