The Dover Police Department celebrated the graduation of nineteen recruits from the Dover Municipal Police Academy on March 14, 2025. The event took place at the Dover Middle School Campus auditorium, marking the conclusion of the rigorous 21-week training program attended by recruits from twelve different police agencies across Delaware.
Noteworthy speakers at the ceremony included Chief Deputy Attorney General Dan Logan, City of Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen, and City of Dover Police Chief Thomas Johnson Jr., who each underscored the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the recruits during their training. Awards were presented to several individuals for outstanding performances, recognizing their efforts and achievements through the course of the academy.
The Academic Achievement Award went to Chase Morris from the South Bethany Police Department, who exhibited exceptional academic proficiency throughout his training. The award was based on the highest average grade achieved among recruits, showcasing Morris's commitment to excellence.
Adam Ur of the Dewey Beach Police Department was honored with the Top Shot Award for his exceptional marksmanship skills displayed during firearms training and qualifications, both day and night. Demonstrated proficiency and safety during these exercises were key factors for winning this prestigious recognition.
Isaiah Brown from the Lewes Police Department received the Physical Fitness Award, reflecting his commitment to maintaining high physical fitness standards throughout the demanding physical training along with other academy challenges.
The Francis T. Schneible Resiliency Award, named after the resilient former Dover Police Officer who had endured serious injury on duty, was awarded to Sean Holton also from Lewes. This honor highlights Holton's determination and strength throughout the intense academy training.
Lastly, Lucas Hudson from the Lewes Police Department earned the Corporal Thomas Hannon Top Recruit Award, which recognizes leadership qualities and dedication among recruits. This award is named after Corporal Thomas Hannon, who faced life-changing injuries during his service but exemplified courage and strength.
All 19 graduates, with representation from various law enforcement agencies, reflect the commitment of Delaware's police forces to build strong, capable officers ready for service. Graduates included Joshua Heredia (Dover), Dylan Allen (Dagsboro), Kyle McCorkle and Tamera Webster (Delaware River and Bay Authority), Asa Cross (Delaware State University Police), Adam Ur (Dewey Beach), Patrick Marvil, Austin Wilson, and David Wyatt (Laurel), Samuel Smith (Milford), Timothy Jones (Milton), Gerald Foreman and Alexandro Rodriguez (Millsboro), Samuel Brumbley and Kani Kane (Seaford), and Chase Morris (South Bethany).
While the graduation ceremony celebrated success, the Dallas police academy is currently facing obstacles on its path toward realizing its vision. According to a memo dated March 7, 2025, from top city staff, police recruits are slated to start classes at the new facility located on the University of North Texas at Dallas campus from day one. This memo has stirred up some optimism about the long-anticipated project, which is expected to offer improved training conditions for police recruits amid current recruitment demands, though clarity remains lacking.
The cost estimates for the new UNT Dallas regional law enforcement training center stand at around $140 million, supported by voter-approved bonds, state commitments, and private philanthropy totaling substantial financial backing. Voters approved the bond package, which includes $50 million for this new training center back in May.
Despite these positive fiscal underpinnings, public expectations remain high following indications earlier this year—from both the city council and public safety committees—that the center might primarily serve current officers rather than new recruits. Public safety committee vice-chair Kathy Stewart raised concerns, stressing, "The core purpose of this training facility was for the new recruits. Why can’t the recruits have their first phase of training on the UNT campus?" This statement encapsulates the frustration surrounding the academy's direction.
After several revisions and discussions, city and police officials, alongside UNT Dallas leaders, appear committed to reworking the training center's blueprint. The revised plan reportedly guarantees dedicated classroom training for new recruits from the inception of their careers, alongside provisions for existing officers' training needs.
This development is beneficial, yet it also highlights the necessity for proper execution and planning. All stakeholders involved must collaborate closely to not only complete the Dallas police academy project but also create world-class facilities capable of attracting new recruits and ensuring the department can efficiently train officers for years to come.
With completion set to provide the expected training goals, comparisons drawn with the Dover Police Academy graduation serve as important reminders of the operational strengths and community commitments necessary to prepare law enforcement officers effectively. While the Dover Police Academy stands proud with its recent batch of new recruits, the Dallas project lingers as it endeavors to shape the future of police training.
