WPD Police Academy Graduates 19 Recruits

The Westerville Division of Police (WPD) Basic Peace Officer Training Academy hosted graduation for Class #2 on Friday, Oct. 11 at the Westerville Community Center (350 N. Cleveland Ave.). Nineteen recruits representing 10 agencies in and around central Ohio met the state of Ohio requirements to become certified peace officers with an impressive average score of 93.5 percent.

Speakers included WPD Chief Charles Chandler; the Honorable Sharon L. Kennedy, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio and class speaker WPD Officer Clayton Schaefer.

During the ceremony, Chief Chandler offered graduates advice as they prepared to serve in the “everevolving” field. “The road ahead may be demanding, but it’s also filled with opportunities to make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Chief Chandler. “You’ll be called upon to respond to crises, protect the vulnerable and uphold the law. Your actions will have a lasting impact on your communities. I encourage you to always strive for excellence and professionalism.”

The academy provides a local solution to certifying peace officers with WPD personnel and other top law enforcement instructors from the area. Focusing on values of Integrity, Commitment, Accountability, Respect, Sense of Urgency, Initiative, and Reliability, the academy prepares offers to build trust with the communities and treat every individual with empathy and dignity.

“The Westerville Police Academy has a host of instructors that are absolutely top-notch. Within our class, we have nine current and former military members with a combined 67 years of experience. We all wholeheartedly agree that the training and knowledge provided here is absolutely superior,” said Officer Schaefer. “As long as we rely on our training, be a voice for the voiceless and depend on those around us to lift us up, the second class of the Westerville Police Academy will leave its mark on the communities we serve.”

City Manager Monica Dupee administers the Oath of Office to all 19 recruits.

Westerville Officer Clayton Schaefer reflects upon his shared experiences with his peers in Class #2 as City Manager Monica Dupee, the Honorable Sharon L. Kennedy and members of WPD’s Academy staff look on. Officer Schaefer was voted class speaker by his peers.

Class #2 of the Westerville Police Academy stand at attention as they prepare for the administration of the Oath of Office.

WPD's Professional Standards and Academy staff pictured left to right: Academy Commander Stephen Fridley, Officer Brian Gavaghan, Lieutenant Aaron Dickison, Chief Charles Chandler, Officer Justine Hibbitt, Lieutenant Jesse Hibbitt and Ret. Officer Dan Pignatelli. The Academy staff conducts trainings and instructs curriculum to meet and exceed Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy guidelines.

Chief Charles Chandler addresses the graduates and guests.

Graduates completed a 24-week curriculum to achieve more than 900 hours of instruction. Class #2 included 19 cadets from the cities of Westerville, Hilliard, Delaware, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, Plain City, Grandview Heights, as well as Genoa Township, Franklin County Metro Parks, and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office; a significant increase from the 13 cadets from 5 agencies the previous year.

Class #3 is set to begin in April 2025. Learn more about the WPD Basic Peace Officer Training Academy at www.westerville.org/WPDAcademy.