Manatee Technical College graduates law enforcement recruits

(Bradenton, FL—June 28, 2017)   Manatee Technical College graduated 15 students from its Florida Law Enforcement Academy on June 26.

Class leader Josiah Hartsell presented a plaque from the class to academy coordinator Michael Marchand.  Marchand was filling in for academy director Jay Romine, who had taken ill.  Marchand presented special awards to the graduates. Assistant class leader Irene Gallardo earned the Highest Academic award with a GPA of 99%.  Assistant class leader Johnathan Carrier won the Dale Earnhardt Jr. award for driving.  The Top Gun award went to Riley Cox.

Marchand and MTC director Dr. Valerie Viands presented certificates to the graduates: Kristie Affolter, Anthony Bruno, Johnathan Carrier, Kevin Connor, Riley Cox, Kenneth Dudley, Irene Gallardo, Josiah Hartsell, Antonio Hernandez, Joel Hosein, Mathieu Navajas, Omar Palencia, Joshua Thomas, James Vaught, and Garrett Waiters.

Three of the graduates hold a Bachelor’s degree, one an Associate’s degree, six come from the U.S. Military, and five have already been offered employment with a local law enforcement agency.

Chief William Tokajer, Holmes Beach Police Department, was the guest speaker.  Sheriff Rick Wells gave the invocation and benediction.

Also there to congratulate the graduates were school board vice-chair John Colon and board member David Miner; staff attorney Mitchell Teitelbaum; adult, career and technical education executive director Doug Wagner; and MTC assistant director Omar Edwards.