The NOPD welcomed 29 new recruits to the force with the graduation of Class #177 today (Feb. 3).

 

Class #177 started in July 2016, and recruits underwent training eight hours a day, Monday through Friday, for a total of 26 weeks. This class includes 12 individuals with military experience and 14 with college degrees. Ten are joining the NOPD from out of state, including recruits from Tennessee, Oklahoma, New York, Kentucky and Idaho.

 

Class #177 recruits graduating today are:

Emilio Aleman

Jonathan Broom

Justin Caliste

Michael Devezin

Matthew Edersheim

Courtney George

Kimberly Ginder

Jared Godshalk

Joseph Herman

William Hery

Stephen Jones

Carey Jordan

Jack Kounlavong

Kenneth Kuykindall

Justin McCubbins

Roshain Mitchell

Justin Orlansky

Marlon Padilla

Varon Pierre

James Roberson

Jesse Roger

Barry Schechter

Anthony Schultz

Joshua Slade

Rayvon Souffrant

Matthew Stone

Raychel Willey

Thomas Wiltz

Robert Yates

 

The following recruits were recognized for outstanding achievement in the following training areas:

 

Louis J. Sirgo Memorial Award—Recruit Carey Jordan

BOP Tactical Driving Award—Recruit Carey Jordan

FOP Mac Bolden Precision Shooting Award—Recruit Joseph Herman

POWER Report Writing Award—Recruit Justin Caliste

PANO Physical Fitness Award—Recruit Matthew Stone

Scholastic Achievement Award—Recruit William Hery

 

Starting next week, the recruits will be assigned to district stations across the city and partnered with an experienced NOPD officer, known as a Field Training Officer (FTO). The FTO will mentor the recruits through 16 weeks of field training. Following field training, the recruits will become full-fledged officers.

 

The ceremony was held in the auditorium of McDonogh 35 Preparatory High School.