First police cadet class graduates

By Sam Seaver, Chronicle staff

he first class of 15 UMass Police cadets were sworn in April 1 in the Massachusetts Room of the Mullins Center. The event was attended by more than 100 people, including Chancellor John Lombardi.

     The police cadet program was started by Police Chief Barbara O'Connor as an initiative to enhance campus safety. She expressed hope that the program would have a lasting effect on the department.

     "Where as some police chiefs change the uniform colors to improve their police departments, we've set lofty goals. I hope the cadet program sustains itself," O'Connor said. "I am proud of you for the work you've had to go through to get here and my door is always open to you. You are a valuable asset to the department now."

     Addressing the cadets O'Connor stressed the importance of finishing their college education and of setting attainable goals in law enforcement. As graduates of the program, cadet officers will be assigned to routinely patrol the residential areas, and will work closely with police officers and the student security force, said O'Connor.

     During December of 2002, members of the campus police department were sent out to area colleges to recruit students for the cadet program. The requirements included being a college student with at least a 2.5 GPA. Recruits also had to pass a physical examination and an academic test to be considered for the program.

     A special recognition awards was given to Daniel Schepis, who was named Cadet-1 for reflecting the overall qualities a cadet should have, according to Lt. Thomas O'Donnell Jr. Cadet officer Lisa Scott received an award for her leadership during training.

     O'Donnell and Lt. Robert Thrasher shared stories about the cadets during their 100-hour training, followed by a slide show depicting the rigorous drills cadets had to accomplish in order to graduate from the program.

      Scott served as class speaker and shared more personal stories of members of the class. "We learned teamwork and really encouraged each other throughout the training process. Together we learned how to adapt and overcome," she said.

     In closing, police hats and program certificates were presented followed by the swearing in of
the cadet officers by chief O'Connor.

     The cadets were recruited from Greenfield Community College, Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, Westfield State College and UMass Amherst.