On June 16th, 21 cadets from Montgomery County Community College’s Municipal Police Academy’s Class of 21-01 graduated at a ceremony at the college’s Blue Bell campus. Among the 21 graduates were David Matozzo of Blue Bell and Mitchell Meed of Upper Dublin.

Matozzo is a deputy with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Meed was one of two cadets to receive the Sgt. James R. Miller Marksmanship Award. Meed scored an overall 97.79 percent average using three weapon systems.

Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez, president of the college, Montgomery County Sheriff and College Trustee, Sean Kilkenny, and Dr. Gloria Oikelome, the college’s vice president of academic affairs, congratulated and thanked the graduates for the important role they will perform in the community.

“At a time when as a nation we are seeking ways to come together, remember your commitment to serve, to protect,” said Dr. Oikelome. “Remember that more often than not, you can best defend yourself by your actions and not necessarily your words. You are the next generation of law enforcement. We are relying on you to model the values the College has instilled in you. We are proud of your accomplishments and we look forward to seeing what you will do in the future.”

The graduates of Class 21-01 are: Lt. James Tyler, West Chester; Staff Sgt. Jordan Turner, West Chester; Sgt. Jacquelyn Engler, Warminster; Sgt. Noah Mascio, North Wales; Jacob Bossert, Pottstown; Todd Cappiello, Doylestown; Heather Carnivale, Middletown; Christian Flynn, Limerick; Orenda Geller, Lower Moreland; Jakob Henze, New Britain; Daniel Lopez, Fleetwood, Pa.; Kyle Manger, Harleysville; David Matozzo, Blue Bell; James McIlwain, Royersford; Mitchell Meed, Upper Dublin; Sean Orrison, Pottstown; Anthony Pratt, Bensalem; Erica Robbins, Perkasie; Michael Rubas, Harleysville; Andrew Stahl, Southampton; and John Tomaszewski, Pipersville.

Since 1973, the Police Academy has been the training center for more than 3,500 cadets with a consistent graduation rate of more than 90 percent. The 919-hour curriculum allows successful students to articulate up to 15 credit hours toward an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. The Academy is certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission. Many of the Academy’s alumni serve as officers and in leadership roles throughout Montgomery County and the region. MCCC operates the Municipal Police Academy in the Health Sciences Center at the Blue Bell Campus.

Photo 1: Twenty-one cadets from the Class of 21-01 graduated from Montgomery County Community College’s Municipal Police Academy on June 16. Since 1973, the Police Academy has been the training center for more than 3,500 cadets. Photo by David DeBalko