July 3, 2017
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 3, 2017) – The Florida Public Safety Institute recently held graduation ceremonies for its law enforcement and firefighter training academies.
Members of Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Class 446 graduated on June 26 at the conference center at FPSI, which is located in Gadsden County. The guest speaker for the ceremony was Wakulla County Sheriff Jared Miller.
The Institute also graduated 28 members of Fire Recruit Class 022 on June 27. The guest speaker for that ceremony was Tallahassee Fire Department Chief Jerome Gaines.
Several students were honored for high performance at each ceremony.
Law enforcement recruit Jonathan Chitty was awarded the Sgt. Dale Green Memorial Award, given to a recruit who embodies the characteristics of a true leader and shows commitment to his success and to the success of classmates. Chitty was also the president of the class.
Charles Condor received the Executive Director’s Award for top academic performance. He also received an award for most improvement in physical training.
Giovanny Fonseca received the Top Gun Award and the Top Defensive Tactics Award. Richard Weiss received the Physical Training Award, and Rakeem Davis received the Top Driving Award.
Brandon Ryland received the Deputy Chris Smith Memorial Award. Ryland’s classmates selected him to receive this honor due to his dedication, hard work and friendly personality.
The Fire Academy also named several outstanding graduates. Madison McNees received the Executive Officer Award, and Joshua Futrell earned the High Academic Award. Anthony Johnson received the Sergeant at Arms Award, and Jack Kearney was chosen by his classmates as winner of the Leadership Award.
Brandon Ceasor received the Ike Royal Memorial Award, which recognizes the firefighter recruit who leads by example and mobilizes and unifies people.
Each semester, recruit classes at FPSI engage in service projects to support the community and show their commitment to public service. Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Class 446 collected books and stuffed animals for the Quincy Police Department’s Books n’ Badges program to help children in a time of need.
Fire Recruit Class 022 raised $1,271 at a car wash to support the TCC Foundation, American Red Cross and Fallen Firefighters Fund.
The Florida Public Safety Institute is part of Tallahassee Community College.