Tri County Tech and the Bartlesville Police Department Celebrate BPOC Academy Graduates

The Inaugural BPOC Academy Graduates Ten Dedicated Cadets

On September 6, 2024, Tri County Tech and the Bartlesville Police Department proudly celebrated the completion of the Basic Peace Officer Certification (BPOC) Academy, a groundbreaking partnership designed to train and certify the next generation of law enforcement officers. This innovative program provided cadets with over 700 hours of comprehensive training delivered by active, local law enforcement professionals.

The goal of the Police Academy is to provide basic law enforcement education necessary to prepare candidates to meet and exceed all academic, technical, and behavioral requirements to obtain Council of Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) Peace Officer Certification. The BPOC Academy covers many essential training blocks, including legal studies, patrol procedures, investigations, firearm training, driver training, and more, ensuring the cadets are well-prepared to meet the field’s challenges.

“This Academy has profoundly influenced my personal and professional growth, marking a significant milestone for our agency. I had the privilege of participating in the training of new police officers and I am eager to continue contributing to the development of this program by providing high-quality training and reaching more officers. This effort aims to enhance safety within our community and the surrounding areas.” – Sergeant Josh Newell, Bartlesville Police Department

In its inaugural class, the BPOC Academy welcomed ten dedicated cadets, all of whom successfully completed the program. The cohort included six cadets from the Bartlesville Police Department, one from the Ramona Police Department, one from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, one from the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, and one from the Craig County Sheriff’s Office. This diverse group reflects the commitment of local law enforcement agencies to fostering community engagement and professional development.

“The first Tri County Tech Basic Peace Officer Certification Academy was hugely successful. Through a partnership with the Bartlesville Police Department, we trained ten new law enforcement officers who will serve at five different agencies in our region. The academy fills the need for new officers, and we can keep training locally so they can remain at home for the four months it takes. We are excited to continue this partnership next year and be able to provide more qualified law enforcement agents for our region.” – Kyle Ppool, Workforce and Economic Development Director

Tri County Tech is dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs that meet the needs of the community. The BPOC Academy exemplifies this mission by offering a pathway for individuals interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement while ensuring that they receive hands-on training from experienced professionals.

Congratulations to the graduates, Elizabeth Anderson, Garrick Askew, Heather Carter-Bridendolph, Destiny Comiford, Jaden James, Coleman Langley, Tanner Lambert, Spencer Nichols, Myson Scott, and Coleman Wilson, and a special thank you to the local law enforcement officers for their dedication to the mission of ensuring our rights and freedoms by protecting life, liberty and property through an unwavering commitment to service before self.

The Workforce and Economic Development department at Tri County Tech offers customized business training designed to meet specific needs. Current offerings include courses in firefighting, CPR/First Aid, OSHA, small business training, and much more. To learn more, visit TriCountyTech.edu/Training.

About Tri County Tech: We’re one of Oklahoma’s first CareerTech schools and have a steadfast spirit for innovation and improvement – driving economic development since 1967. Our devotion to each other, our students, and the life-changing learning we provide fuels our pursuit of excellence. We call this the “Tri County Way.” We have locations in Bartlesville, Pawhuska, and Nowata, Oklahoma. Tri County Tech is part of the Oklahoma CareerTech system, which offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts and operates on 59 campuses across the state. CareerTech plays a vital role in developing a world-class workforce for Oklahoma employers and prepares Oklahomans to succeed in the workplace, in education, and life.