The past two weeks have been very busy for our Public Safety academy staff coordinating 2 graduations in 6 days. On Thursday, April 7th, Full-time Fire Academy came to the Allstate campus to celebrate their graduation. The Florida Room was filled to capacity as the 28 cadets filed into the room anxiously awaited by their family and friends.  Many awards were given out. Brian Rood (pictured below) was given an award for his high academic achievements and in his short speech credited instructors, as well as his wife and daughter for their influence on his academy success. After an at-times humorous inspirational speech by Oldsmar Fire Department’s Fire Chief Dean O’Nale and the presentation of certificates to graduates, class president, Vincent Diorio, led the cadets in their final fall-out (pictured below) followed by an eruption of applause and cheers by the audience.

The Corrections Recruit Class #89 graduated on Wednesday April 13th at 6pm with a ceremony beginning with two bag pipe players, introduction of cadets, and a final color guard ceremony for retiring long-time leader of the color guard for SPC graduations, Deputy Davis. The ceremony included an emotional class address given by a special cadet chosen by her class.  Next, awards were given to outstanding cadets in the areas of Firearms, Defensive Tactics, and Academic performance. Reciting their motto “Many were called, few were chosen”, the graduation proved to be an emotional time for not only the cadets, but for their many family members and friends in the audience. After receiving their certificates and badges, the cadets were led in their oath, swearing to act in the ways they were instructed, using their strong reasoning skills, and personally in a way they wouldn’t mind on display – as they now recognize that they are public figures, held to a higher standard. 

Waiting anxiously in the wings was Police Recruit Class #200 knowing that their graduation is only 3 short months away.

For more information on any of our academies, please see our website.