Frederick Police Department Graduates 11 New Officers in 69th Academy Class

The Frederick Police Department has celebrated the graduation of its 69th Police Academy Class, a rigorous training program that prepared eleven new officers for service across three regional law enforcement agencies. The ceremony, held at Frederick Community College, marked the culmination of months of intensive instruction and the beginning of these officers’ careers in public service.

The comprehensive academy curriculum was designed to equip recruits with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of modern policing. Their training encompassed a broad range of subjects, including criminal and constitutional law, de-escalation techniques, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, and firearms proficiency. A significant portion of the program also focused on crisis intervention and scenario-based exercises, emphasizing critical skills such as communication, decision-making, and community engagement. This multifaceted approach ensures that graduates are prepared to respond effectively to a variety of situations they may encounter while on duty.

The graduates represent a collaborative effort among local law enforcement, with officers joining the Frederick Police Department, the Gaithersburg Police Department, and the Rockville City Police Department. This regional cooperation highlights a commitment to shared training standards and the bolstering of law enforcement capabilities across the area. The newly graduated officers are: Grace Banfe, Rafael Hernandez, Samuel Hightower, Jacob Munoz, Allen Shackelford, and Chase Tracey, all from the Frederick Police Department; Oscar Cortez Ortega, Robert Tsas, and Dennis Oku from the Gaithersburg Police Department; and Luis Puma from the Rockville City Police Department.

Following this milestone, the new officers will undergo the Field Training and Evaluation Program. This essential phase pairs each graduate with experienced field training officers, providing hands-on mentorship and practical application of their academy learning. This transitional period is crucial for bridging theoretical knowledge with the realities of patrol operations, ensuring each officer develops the necessary skills to serve their communities safely, effectively, and accountably. The Frederick Police Department has also acknowledged the dedication of its Training Unit, whose expertise and commitment were instrumental in shaping this latest cohort of law enforcement professionals. The success of the academy class reflects the ongoing efforts to cultivate the next generation of police officers for the region.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Frederick Police Department

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