LCCC Police Academy Celebrates 22 New Graduates

Lorain County Community College celebrated the graduation of 22 cadets from the LCCC Police Academy during a ceremony on March 27 at Stocker Arts Center’s Hoke Theatre. LCCC is the leading training location for first responders in Lorain County, including law enforcement officers.

LCCC President Marcia J. Ballinger, Ph.D., congratulated the cadets on their achievement.

“These cadets have completed a rigorous training program that is designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge to serve and protect their communities,” Ballinger said.

The majority of graduates are already stepping into law enforcement roles—20 cadets have accepted job offers with local police departments, including in Lorain, Elyria, and other Northeast Ohio communities.

This class — one of the largest in recent years — began its intensive 24-week training program in October and completed 900 hours of instruction, far exceeding the state minimum requirement of 740 hours. This high level of training earned the academy recognition as a STAR Academy Training Center, the highest award given to Ohio police academies that consistently exceed training standards.

LCCC Police Academy Commander Duane Whitely commended the graduates for completing the demanding academy. He noted that the program’s intensity is intentional and thoughtfully designed to prepare cadets for the realities of law enforcement careers.

In addition to rigorous classroom and tactical training, the cadets also completed community service projects. The group provided traffic control for Second Harvest Food Bank’s Thanksgiving Drive-Thru Mobile Pantry, joined families in Lorain to promote lifelong fitness and wellness, and raised and donated funds to several charitable organizations.

Ballinger acknowledged the cadets’ dedication to these service projects.

“Through these acts of service, you gained a deeper understanding of the people and neighborhoods you will protect. You didn’t just learn about your community—you became part of it,” she said.

For several cadets, the call to serve began long before they enrolled in the LCCC Police Academy. Six cadets are military veterans, including class president W. Logan Crowell, who served in the U.S. Army from 2015 to 2019 as a Military Policeman. Crowell has already been hired by the Elyria Police Department and said he feels well-prepared for the duties ahead. Addressing his fellow graduates during the ceremony, Crowell acknowledged the challenging classroom and tactical lessons the class completed.

“Those tests are what made us who we are today: confident and resilient – prepared for the call and committed to the cause,” Crowell said.

As the cadets begin their careers, Ballinger encouraged them to remember the importance of their role in their communities.

“Law enforcement is more than a profession—it is a calling. It requires courage in uncertainty, compassion in crisis, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Your role is essential in fostering safety, trust, and connection within the communities you serve,” Ballinger said.

To learn more about the LCCC Police Academy, visit www.lorainccc.edu/police.