Outstanding Achievement Awards Presented to 43rd Basic Police Class Graduates

Deptford Twp – Outstanding Achievement awards were presented to 22 graduates of the 43rd Basic Police Class of the Gloucester County Police Academy on Wednesday, Dec. 11, in the Physical Education Center on the campus of Gloucester County College.

Twenty-two men graduated with fanfare and good wishes, marking the completion of their 19-week training session. Police Academy Director Fred H. Madden welcomed guests, with opening remarks provided by Gloucester County College Vice President of Academic Services Dr. Linda Martin. The keynote address was presented by Chief Samuel DiSimone, of the West Deptford Township Police Department.

Following the presentation of diplomas, achievement awards were presented to the following graduates:

The Director’s Award and Physical Training Award were presented to Brian D. Appleby, Township of Hamilton.

Richard A. Hanratty, of the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Department, received the Physical Training Award and Vehicle Operations Award.

The Firearms Award was presented to Kevin M. Pluta of Mt. Laurel.

The Division of Criminal Justice Merit Award, Academic Award and the Special Dedication Award were presented to Stephen M. Clayborn Sr. of the Rowan University Police Department.

Physical Training Awards were also presented to John P. Kidd and Timothy M. Silberstein of the Delaware River Port Authority and Vincent Schmidt of the Camden County Sheriff’s Department.

The 22 graduates represented Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland and Gloucester Counties, as well as the Delaware River Port Authority and Rowan University Police Department.

The police academy operates as an autonomous unit within GCC’s Division of Law and Justice.

Gloucester County College is located on a 250-acre campus on Tanyard Road, Deptford, just off Exit 56 of Route 55.