The 54th Basic Law Enforcement class graduated from Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy in Salem VA on Wednesday May 26, 2010. The basic law enforcement school began on January 18, 2010 and during the past 19 weeks the Officers have been trained on topics including: the Code of Virginia, constitutional law, use of force, court room testimony, crime scene and evidence handling, civil liability, traffic accident investigation, criminal investigations, communications, cultural diversity, firearms, defensive tactics, intermediate weapons, pursuit driving and officer survival. The training is intense with weekly written exams and practical exercises that require the student to demonstrate they are proficient with the physical skills as well as able to retain and apply the classroom training in real life scenarios.
**From left to right in the above picture, Dave Collett, District Manager; Harvey Thompason, Park Manager, Grayson Highlands State Park; Marceia Holland, Assistant Manager, Grayson Highlands State Park, graduating first in the class; and Warren Wahl, Assistant State Parks Director.
The new DCR Conservation Officers are:
Marceia Holland, Assistant Park Manager Grayson Highlands State Park, received an award from the Fraternal Order of Police for graduating first in the class. Marci is the first female conservation officer to graduate at the top of the class. (Mark Cossa Park Ranger at Twin Lakes State Park was our last officer to graduate first in the class).
Joshua Hollandsworth, Chief Ranger Douthat State Park graduated 4th in the class.
Edward Lavado, Park Ranger Lake Anna State Park, received the Iron Man award for physical fitness. Ed scored 100 % on the fitness test which includes push ups, sit ups, sit and reach (flexibility), a 1.5 mile run, and completed the physical agility test (obstacle course) in less than 1 minute 22 seconds.
All three had a great attitude towards the training, and worked hard both as individuals and as a team to be successful.
We are proud of all our law enforcement officers who work hard around the clock to keep our visitors safe and our parks enjoyable destinations.
Our law enforcement program received accreditation from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. DCR joined several universities and the Capitol Police as one of only five state agencies with this certification. With 37 offices across the commonwealth DCR was the first Virginia agency with statewide coverage to be recognized by the commission. Virginia State Police are accredited by a national organization. Click here for more information.
