MEDIA, PA — Forty-two determined individuals are stepping into one of the most critical roles in society as graduates of Delaware County Community College’s (DCCC) Municipal Police Academy. Among them, a diverse mix of officers will serve communities across Southeastern Pennsylvania, bringing renewed energy to public safety and law enforcement.
This graduating class includes 16 officers newly hired by SEPTA, nine Chester County Sheriff’s Office officers, two Chester City officers, one Caln Township officer, as well as officers from Drexel University and Villanova University. Notably, the class features four female officers, emphasizing the academy’s commitment to fostering diversity in law enforcement.
The ceremony at Ridley Middle School in Ridley Park was both a celebration of perseverance and a call to action. U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Michael Repasky, 45, of Phoenixville, and Alison Moyer of Downingtown shared the prestigious Quest for the Best Award, recognizing exceptional commitment and leadership during training. Other honorees include Louis Ortiz of Philadelphia, who took home the Academic Award, and Angelo Torres of Spring City and Kyle Stabinski of Garnet Valley, recipients of the Physical Fitness Award.
The graduates emerged from a rigorous and demanding program, requiring 920 hours of training that tested their limits in physical fitness, tactical skills, and crisis management. Instruction ranged from firearms and self-defense to Homeland Security and high-pressure training scenarios. This comprehensive preparation ensures that these cadets are ready to meet the challenges of modern policing.
For decades, DCCC’s Municipal Police Academy has been a keystone in law enforcement training. With over 95% of Delaware County officers and 75% of Chester County officers graduating from its program, its impact on community safety is unmatched. “These cadets represent a new generation of officers—highly trained, deeply committed, and diverse in perspectives,” said Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, president of DCCC.
The day’s significance extended beyond the ceremony itself, reflecting the weight of responsibility these graduates now carry. “Today’s police officers aren’t just enforcers of the law—they are stewards of trust, responders in times of crisis, and a crucial bridge between safety and community,” said Municipal Police Academy Director William Davis, who has led the academy for an impressive 33 years.
The inclusion of women, military veterans, and officers serving varied agencies such as SEPTA and local municipalities highlights the growing recognition that a diverse police force is stronger and better equipped to serve. At the heart of this diversity is a shared mission—to protect, serve, and uphold the trust of the communities they will call their own.
This graduation isn’t just a milestone for these cadets—it’s a message to the community that the next wave of law enforcement is ready to take on the challenges of the day with professionalism and resolve. As these 42 officers step into their roles, they carry with them not only the skills honed at DCCC but also the hopes of a safer and more united region.
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