The Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy celebrated the graduation of its 83rd Basic Course for Police on Tuesday afternoon, marking the completion of six months of intensive training for 23 recruits.
Among the graduates, 21 had already secured positions with various law enforcement agencies in Western New York prior to their enrollment. Two additional recruits, who started the program in a pre-employment capacity, have since been hired by the Lewiston Police Department and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office. The diverse class included deputies from the Niagara County and Orleans County Sheriff’s Offices, officers from the Niagara Falls and Town of Niagara Police Departments, as well as members of the North Tonawanda and Lewiston Police Departments.
Evan Volmrich, an officer from the Town of Niagara, was elected by his classmates to serve as class president. Town of Niagara Police Chief Craig Guiliani expressed his confidence in Volmrich, stating, “From the moment he walked into my office, I knew he was the right fit for us. I told him we wouldn’t let him leave until he signed on.”
Volmrich will join officers Haylei Till and Michael Sheehan as the first recruits hired by Guiliani since he took on the role of police chief.
“We take pride in all of them,” Guiliani remarked. “They were apprehensive at first, but they came together as a cohesive unit, which is exactly what we aim for.”
Volmrich also received three prestigious awards during the ceremony including the Sgt. Jeff Juron Defensive Tactics Award, the Jeffrey A. Incardona Memorial Award, and the Joseph E. Stablein Memorial Award. The Stablein Award recognizes overall excellence while the Incardona Award is given to the recruit who contributes to the success of their peers.
Other awards included the academic achievement award presented to Niagara Falls Police Officer Matthew Kaminska, the Lt. Kristina Zell Physical Fitness Award awarded to Falls Police Officer Gavin Cerrillo, and the Scott Barnes Top Gun Award given to NFTA Transit Police Officer Ethan PeQueen.
In his keynote address, District Attorney Brian Seaman emphasized the vital role of law enforcement in safeguarding the freedoms of citizens.
“Police are the frontline in defending freedom for citizens,” he stated. Overall, Seaman reminded the graduates that it is their responsibility to uphold these freedoms and ensure they are never compromised.
Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy Celebrates Graduation of 83rd Basic Class