Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) celebrated one of its highest-performing Peace Officer Basic Training program cohorts during a graduation ceremony on May 21, according to a June 5 announcement.
The 13 cadets in this cohort collectively scored better than 95% on this year’s state certification exam. James Rease, COTC's Peace Officer Basic Training commander, said that figure is one of the program’s best ever. Every graduate has either secured or is pending employment with an agency in central Ohio, including the Johnstown Police Department, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, and the Reynoldsburg Police Department.
"You’ll face situations that challenge your resolve and test your character," Rease said to the cohort during the ceremony. "In those moments, rely on the values cultivated here: honesty, bravery and respect."
Ohio State Representative Kevin Miller served as keynote speaker at the event. Miller is a Newark native who served more than 20 years with the Ohio State Highway Patrol before his legislative career.
Four newly certified peace officers received awards during the ceremony. Jesse Valentine earned the Academic Award and will join the Lancaster Police Department. Andrew Grassette received the Top Gun Award and will join the Licking County Sheriff’s Office. The Officer Thomas W. Cottrell, Jr. Award for Character and Dedication to Public Service was presented to Skyler Roberts of the Plain City Police Department; Roberts became the 28th cadet to receive this honor since it was established in memory of Thomas Cottrell, a COTC alumnus killed in the line of duty ten years ago while working for Danville Police Department in Knox County.
Ira Daniels earned the Most Dedicated Award and addressed his fellow graduates at the ceremony. "We’re stronger, sharper, more disciplined and more prepared," Daniels said. "You didn’t just teach us law and tactics. You taught us character, and that’s a debt we don’t repay with words. We repay it with how we govern ourselves from this day forward." Daniels concluded his speech by saying, "Tonight, we graduate. Tomorrow, we serve. Now let’s go earn the trust of our communities, honor this profession and leave a legacy worthy of the badge we wear."
