The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) added 22 new officers to its ranks on Thursday with the graduation of Class 2020-1.
Class 2020-1 is the first CPD academy to graduate during a pandemic. The group began typical training at the Chattanooga Police and Fire Department Training Center on March 13. Later that day, they learned the structure of their training would look very different going forward as the City of Chattanooga announced its response to the global pandemic. A month later, on April 12, training turned into action as the cadets were called to assist victims of the Easter Sunday tornadoes.
"The cadets of CPD Class 2020-1 had the unique experience to begin serving the community long before they took their oath," said Chief David Roddy.
"This group learned by doing, the meaning of selfless service, responsiveness, and community from the very beginning."
The graduating class has one female and 21 males who range in age from 21 to 39. The 22 graduates hail from 11 different states. Nine graduates have military experience and two continue to serve in the guard or reserves. Two graduates are brothers, one graduate is the son of a retired CPD officer, and another is the son-in-law of a retired CPD officer.
The class president is Officer B. Allen.
Officers received the following awards:
* Physical Fitness Award: Warren Moody
* Academic Award: Frisco Sherrill
* Pistol Marksmanship Award: Stephen Ewing
* Most Improved Shooter Certificate: Hainze Gomez
Officials said, "CPD continues its efforts to recruit top candidates for police officers. We are currently accepting applications for the next academy which is set to begin March, 2021. Applications and basic requirements are available at
http://bit.ly/cpdrecruiting. The CPD Recruiting Unit is available to answer questions and help candidates get started. Email them at cpdrecruiting@chattanooga.gov.
"We wish all the new officers the best as they embark on the next phase of their development, four months of field training with experienced CPD officers."