MEDIA, PA — Sixty-one new police officers celebrated their graduation from Delaware County Community College‘s Municipal Police Academy on Thursday, June 12, during a ceremony held at Ridley High School in Folsom. The event marked a significant milestone for the academy, which enrolled its largest class since its establishment.
Among the graduates were law enforcement professionals from a range of agencies, including 13 new officers for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), nine for the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, four for Chester City, three for Drexel University, and one for Upper Darby Township.
The class also highlighted diversity, with four female graduates and representatives from various communities. The oldest graduate, Jerry Beavers, 48, of Thorndale, exemplified perseverance in achieving his goal.
Guest speaker Chester County Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes addressed the graduates, who were recognized for achievements across a variety of disciplines. Notable award recipients included Joshua Chisholm of Malvern, honored with both the Academic Award and the Delaware County Police Chiefs Award. Ariel Brown of Philadelphia and Christopher Dawson of Folsom received the Quest for the Best Award, while Trey Tolbert of Philadelphia and Isaac Fries of Telford earned the Physical Fitness Award. Other awardees were Sean Hackett of Ridley for the Firearms Award and William McGoldrick of Media for the Driving Award.
Evan Gohl of Hatboro served as the Class Lieutenant, with Sean Small of Havertown and Chisholm as Class Sergeants.
“This is the most highly enrolled class in our history,” said William Davis, director of the academy and a retired state police trooper with 34 years of service to the institution.
The rigorous training program required cadets to complete a 920-hour curriculum certified by Pennsylvania’s Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission. Instruction covered firearms, self-defense, physical fitness, Homeland Security, scenario training, and practical exercises.
Operating since 1977, the academy is a critical pipeline for law enforcement in the region, where over 95 percent of municipal police officers in Delaware County and 75 percent in Chester County are alumni. Beyond its cadet classes, the Police Academy conducts mandatory Act 180 in-service training for currently active officers.
The next class is set to begin in July 2025, continuing the academy’s mission to train skilled, dedicated law enforcement professionals.
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