WELCOME
Good evening. Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, training faculty, proud family members, and most importantly, our distinguished graduates: thank you all for being here tonight. I especially want to thank Captain Steven Djunaedi, Mayor Bobby Dyer, Sheriff Holcomb, Dr. Scott Miller, and City Manager Patrick Duhaney for being part of tonight’s ceremony.
Congratulations Class 76!
Today is a day of celebration, a day to honor the dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment of the individuals seated before us. As Police Chief, it is my profound privilege to welcome you to this momentous occasion, the graduation of our newest police academy recruits.
Class 76 brings diversity of ethnicity, background, life experience, and military status that reflects the community you will serve:
14 of your class are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, with six currently serving.
Two have pervious law enforcement service, including Recruit Mike Jackson, who is returning to VBPD after 20 years as an HIS Agent. Welcome back!
Three recruits have served as former fire/EMS volunteers.
Two recruits are currently enrolled in college, ten are college graduates, and two have master’s degrees or higher.
Our two VBSO Deputies are earning their DCJS LEO Certification.
One recruit is a graduate of Harvard University and the Julliard School of Music!
Two recruits were both born outside the United States!
I’m very pleased to see you women in this class, moving the bar closer to our 30x30 initiative. You all have my commitment that we are working diligently to make sure that your experience here is inclusive and welcoming.
The VBPD is steadfast in its commitment to strengthen police relationships and cultivate trust in our community, which is why we enjoy the support of City leadership and the Virginia Beach community.
Speaking of relationships, I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to acknowledge our keynote speaker this evening: Captain Steven Djunaedi, Commander of Naval Air Station Oceana, and observe the relationship we enjoy with the master jet base. In Virginia Beach, the relationship between the police force and armed forces is a beacon of unity and cooperation, woven deeply into the fabric of our community. With shared values of service, duty, and dedication, these two pillars of protection work seamlessly together, embodying the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. Whether safeguarding our shores, ensuring law and order on our streets, or responding to emergencies with unwavering resolve, our police and armed forces stand shoulder to shoulder, united in their commitment to keeping our great nation safe. Their bond is not merely forged in duty but strengthened through camaraderie, forged in the crucible of shared experiences and shared goals. It's this unbreakable alliance that not only defends our country but also inspires trust, confidence, and pride in every resident fortunate enough to call this City home.
And while I’m talking about relationships and partnerships, I must talk about the collaboration between sheriff deputies and police officers. In the history of our two organizations, Class 76 is groundbreaking, as it is the first time in our partnership that we’ve had sheriff’s deputies go through the academy along with police recruits. That is a testament to the power of teamwork and our shared commitment to public safety. Our partnership goes beyond mere cooperation; it embodies a deep mutual respect and understanding, cultivated through joint training, shared experiences, and a shared dedication to serving and protecting our community. Together, we form an unstoppable force, instilling confidence and security in the hearts of those we serve, and setting a shining example of effective collaboration for communities everywhere.
I am confident that each of you will help advance this mission of strengthening relationships and cultivating trust in our community so long as you remain true to your character, don’t deviate from your personal and moral ethics, and keep your servant’s heart at the forefront of all your interactions. As long as you rely on your training, remain professional, and ensure your integrity drives all of your decisions, you can rest assured that Department and City leadership will always have your back.
Graduates, you have embarked on a journey that few have the courage to undertake. You have chosen a path that demands integrity, resilience, and an unyielding sense of duty. Today, you stand ready to join the ranks of a noble profession, one that holds the safety and well-being of our community in its hands.
The training you have undergone has been rigorous and challenging, designed to prepare you for the complexities and realities of law enforcement. I know the last six months have not been easy. Since January 11 you have undergone over 100 courses of instruction, covering thousands of DCJS and VBPD objectives. The police academy is demanding. Preparing for a career in law enforcement is, by design, not for the faint of heart. Look around you. What began as a class of 33 is now 25. That is a testament to your perseverance and determination, and precisely what we are celebrating tonight. You have faced physical, mental, and emotional tests that have pushed you to your limits. Through every obstacle, you have demonstrated courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to serve and protect. No one can take this accomplishment away from you. You have my hearty congratulations and sincere admiration for making it through.
On that note, I want to thank each of your families for supporting you. As you’ve already experienced, this is a unique profession that impacts your spouses, children and, for some of you, even your parents, far more than the average job. I have no doubt that your loved ones have all sacrificed in some way to get you to this day. Families and loved ones, your encouragement and sacrifices have been instrumental in helping these remarkable individuals reach this point. I want every family member to know that we see you. We are grateful for how you’ve supported your officer through the 76th Virginia Beach Police Department academy. Today, we share in your pride and joy, knowing that your loved ones are ready to make a profound difference in our world.
However, Class 76, you should know – this is not the end of your training, but the beginning. We have equipped you with the foundational knowledge to be successful in this profession, but every day that you don your badge, you will continue to be faced with new lessons. I encourage you to keep an open mind as you embark on this next chapter of your career.
A graduation ceremony like this presents an opportunity to offer up some advice, so I hope you will indulge me as I share a little
You have chosen a fulfilling and rewarding career. This is a job you can be proud of. It’s about service to others. One of the most gratifying facets of being a police officer is the unique chance to help people on their worst days. You will have the opportunity to save lives and change lives for the better. Additionally, there is only one constant in being a cop: every day will be different and interesting. You will never be bored.
As you have probably learned, when you joined the academy, you joined a family. There is a strong kinship developed within the police community that can’t be found in any other profession. The bonds forged through the academy will continue to strengthen and grow as you navigate your careers through the Virginia Beach Police Department. The quality of the relationships that you cultivate and nurture are crucial to your success. Let those relationships bolster you in good times and challenging times. As you embark on this journey beyond the academy and out into the streets, know that you are not alone. You are part of a larger family, a brotherhood and sisterhood that stands beside you, ready to support you through every challenge and celebrate with you in every triumph. Lean on each other, learn from each other, and never lose sight of the reasons why you chose this path.
To that end, as you sit here this evening contemplating this remarkable accomplishment, I urge you to consider what drove you to pursue a career in law enforcement. Was it a passion to serve? A desire to be a part of something greater than yourself?
Whatever your reason, I implore you to reflect on that today and everyday hereafter. You will deal with a lot of difficult situations. To avoid becoming jaded and cynical, and to keep a firm grasp on your humanity, I urge you to reflect on your why every day. Let it be your north star, guiding you though this profession.
As you step into your roles as police officers, remember that the badge you wear is a symbol of trust. It represents the confidence that the community places in you to uphold the law with fairness, compassion, and integrity. Your actions will be a reflection not only of yourselves but of the values and principles of the entire police force
In a world that is constantly evolving, where new challenges arise each day, your role as peacekeepers becomes ever more critical. You will be called upon to make split-second decisions, to de-escalate conflicts, and to serve as beacons of hope and security. Your presence will bring comfort in times of distress, and your bravery will inspire those around you.
But remember, being a police officer is not just about enforcing laws; it is about building relationships and fostering trust within the communities you serve. It is about understanding the diverse fabric of our society and working together to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all. Your empathy, your ability to listen, and your willingness to engage with people from all walks of life will be just as important as your tactical skills.
Graduates, as you take the oath and receive your badges, remember the values that have brought you here: professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication, excellence. Carry these values with you in every action, every decision, and every interaction. The road ahead will not always be easy, but it will be filled with opportunities to make a positive impact, to be a force for good, and to uphold the highest standards of this honorable profession.
My hope for you is that the values of this profession and the integrity of the officers you work with is SO unmatched that you can picture nothing more fulfilling than serving as a Virginia Beach police officer through a long and celebrated career.
Finally, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to you and your family on behalf of every resident and visitor to Virginia Beach. You are embarking on a career that involves risk and sacrifice, and which often does not get the appropriate acknowledgment. Thank you for courageously being willing to suit up every day to serve and protect your community. Because of you, our friends, families, and neighbors have peace of mind, knowing that the safety of our community is in your capable hands. On behalf of myself and your leadership team, please know that we value each of you. We appreciate the daily determination you’ve shown throughout this academy and the resolve and fortitude with which you’ll serve this community.
Class 76, you have earned this moment. Now, go forth with confidence, with pride, and with the knowledge that you are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Serve with distinction, protect with valor, and always strive to make our community a better, safer place for all.
As you get ready to take your oath of office, it is an honor to officially welcome you and your families to the Virginia Beach Police Department. There is no finer calling, and I look forward to seeing you out on the streets protecting and serving this city. Thank you, and may you have a long, safe, and fulfilling career in law enforcement.
Congratulations Class 76.