10 new police officers are graduating from the LU Academy

Lincoln University’s Law Enforcement Training Academy trained eight new police officers Friday evening.

The academy opened in 2021 and Friday’s graduates made up the 10th graduating class. Lincoln’s is the first and only police academy at a historically black university.

The graduates were Luke Dominic Arterberry, Devin Tyler Barnes, Deric Alen Brown, Tracy Marquette Burage Jr., Jacob B. Doolittle, Demetrius Lashay Eddie Jr., Vernard Mackey Jr. and Samuel Francis Moore.

LU President John Moseley and Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs Stevie Lawrence II made remarks at the ceremony.

“At a time when the world of law enforcement is under intense scrutiny, you are called upon to stand up for the principles of justice and equality with integrity, professionalism and dedication,” Moseley said. “I am confident that the education you have received here has prepared you to face challenges with courage, compassion and unwavering determination.”

Moseley said he was sure the graduates would accept responsibility as readily as they delegated it and would respect the dignity of all people. He said the program wasn’t easy, but the graduates’ dedication paid off.

Mosely also took the time to thank the faculty and staff of the LU Police Department and Academy who took the time to prepare the graduates for service.

“Please remember that true progress is measured not just by the awards we receive, but by the lives we touch and the positive change we inspire. May your journey ahead be filled with security, meaning and fulfillment,” Moseley said.

Lawrence told the graduates that graduation is not the end, but the beginning.

“There is so much you can achieve from this point on, even if this was your goal. There’s more after that,” Lawrence said.

He said to view graduation as a launching pad for what lies ahead.

Police Chief Gary Hill, director of the academy, gave the closing speech. He said he always looks forward to giving the commencement speech, adding that it brings back nostalgia for his graduation from the police academy.

Like Moseley, Hill took time to recognize the people who contributed to the academy, including instructors, local law enforcement officials and elected officials. Without them, he said, the academy couldn’t be a success.

Hill told the graduates they were proud of their accomplishments.

“They were disciplined. You, your family and your friends have all made many sacrifices for your precious moment today. Make sure you thank them when you leave here tonight. Appreciate them for their patience and the support they give you,” Hill said.

Hill said the graduates spent the last 18 weeks working full-time jobs and immediately went to the academy for hours afterward. He said their commitment to improving lives in their communities is incredible and not many can do that.

“Make no mistake, it was not an easy task. As you advance in your law enforcement career, promise me that you will bring the same level of commitment and work ethic to the communities you patrol and serve. Remember who you are and the progression you have chosen,” Hill said.

Hill thought about being a SWAT shieldman for the Cole County Sheriff’s Department. In this role, he was the first man through the door during SWAT operations. His job was to use a shield to fire shots for his team. Every time they entered a door, there was a risk of orphaning his family, he said.

Every time his pager rang and he headed to the scene, Hill said he had the courage to walk through the door and do his job. He told the graduates that he needed the same level of courage from them.

“However, the shield you will carry is on your uniform. And your job is to keep this criminal element out of our communities. Our communities are behind you, as is my team,” Hill said.

Hill told the graduates they needed to be inspired by what they had accomplished and the responsibilities they were now given. He said it’s not enough to just be motivated to do the work. Rather, the graduates need to be inspired to work, he said.

Hill reminded graduates that when police officers do not have the courage to stand up for truth and justice, they allow their communities to take steps into darkness.

“Wake up, put on your protective shield, have the courage to do the work the way you were trained to do it. Have faith in yourself, faith in our communities. I know you will make a difference through this,” Hill said.

After Hill’s remarks, graduates received their certificates and received student awards.

Brown was named valedictorian and Barnes was named salutatorian. Arterberry won the firearms award and Doolittle won the physical fitness award. Brown received the Most Improved Physical Fitness award.

As valedictorian, Brown spoke on behalf of his fellow graduates and announced an “outstanding faculty member” selected by the graduates.

“We decided as a class that Sgt. Jason Payne was the best instructor we had. We really appreciate all the dedication and effort he put into it,” Brown said.

Hill said Payne joined the team about a year and a half ago and was a “godsend.” He was also promoted from sergeant to lieutenant.

As the ceremony concluded, Hill presented a photo and video presentation showing the recruits’ progress through the program. He said this was the first time the academy had put together such a presentation and every graduate could take a copy home.

The presentation included images and videos of graduates practicing traffic stops, lifesaving measures, shootings, driving maneuvers and more.

The new recruits completed the graduation ceremony by taking the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor.

“On my honor I will never betray my integrity, my character or the public trust. “I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions, I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values ​​of my community, and the agency I serve,” they said.