Friday morning, a group of 200 gathered at the National Guard Armory to celebrate the commencement of the U.S.V.I. Police Department St. Thomas/St. John District Recruit Class 2010-11.
Thirty students endured 28 weeks of rigorous physical and mental challenges to achieve the title of officer. Twenty-three police officers, five deputy marshals, one environmental enforcement officer, and one UVI campus police officer completed the training.
While each officer excelled during the courses, a few received recognition for outstanding performance:
- Shawell Turnbull had the highest academic average as well as the highest firearm score for a female;
- Siblings Nikita and Ja’Ida Turnbull had the best physical fitness scores for a male and female, respectively;
- The highest firearm score for a male as well as the prestigious Commissioner’s Award went to Lyndell Rabsatt.
During the ceremony, speakers put a great deal of emphasis on family and honor.
“Strive for excellence in the community and in your personal life,” Chief of Police Rodney D. Querrard Sr. told the new officers.
Many speakers also stressed that officers should not take advantage of their new position. Revenge, injustice, and bias were singled out as having no place in law enforcement. Predecessors warned the graduates not to lose themselves in their journey as officers.
“Personal philosophies will conflict. Do not let your prejudices interfere,” Querrard advised.
Training director Oakland Benta called upon those gathered as friends, family, spouses, and a community to support our officers when they leave work with the world on their shoulders. Policing isn’t easy.
Although speakers reminded the new officers of the importance and gravity of their new positions, the class officers smiled and laughed as they shared jokes and talked about challenges and accomplishments during their 28 weeks of instruction. The new officers honored instructors and loved ones as they reflected on their training and the right to serve their community.
The Virgin Islands Police Academy graduates are:
- Police officers: Josiah Angol, Derrick Bougouneau, Ingrid Bukle, Kyle Carty, Alex Dorsett, Clinte Ettinoffe, Bernice Farrell, Lisa Herbert-Gonzaley, Rakisha Krigger, Kerdin Lewis, Nerissa Lewis, Adelbert Molyneaux, Jr., Gabriel Reed, Jamie Serrano, Julie Sewer, Nichelle Smith, Jason Thomas, Tyresha Thomas, Jefflyn Titre, Ja’Ida Turnbull, Nikita Turnbull, Shawell Turnbull, and Travis Wyatt;
- Deputy marshals: Monique Duncan, Tarron Francis, Malissa Hanley, Lyndell Rabsatt, and Tina Smith;
- Environmental enforcement officer: Dianna Castro;
- U.V.I. Campus Police: Kimba Enrique.