To Foran graduate Mr. Rich Carino, becoming a police officer is about more than the glory and prestige that comes with the title.
“I will become the third generation of police officers in my family, my grandfather and uncle were both cops. Being able to work in the community that I was born and raised in is truly an honor for me,” he reveals.
Carino, along with fellow Foran graduates Mr. Kenny Graham, Ms. Amanda Boyles, and Mr. Brett Huber, recently graduated from Milford Police Academy and are on their way to becoming full-fledged police officers. Police academy entails a six-month training process including classes and exercise regimens.
To overcome the difficult schedule, Carino believes that commitment and determination are necessary qualities for an aspiring officer to possess.
“If you are committed and determined to be there and pass it, then it makes it more enjoyable. It’s a tough environment, but you go through it with all the other people in your class, and by the end of the six months of training you make some of the best friends you’ll have,” he comments.
Boyles confirms the importance of building a support system between future officers. She shares how relationships with her colleagues aided her in completing her training.
“It’s very important to have a good support system in this career because we are seeing people at their worst. Having a good support system in and out of the academy can really help you through rough times and good times,” she remarks.
On top of emotional support, Boyles shares that her class often collaborated to assist each other in passing written exams. She reminisces on how her classmates created study guides and hosted study sessions to help each other prepare.
Even after graduation from the academy, law enforcement is still a difficult career path. Both Boyles and Huber corroborate remembering one’s reason for joining the force is crucial. Moreover, Huber affirms that a “why” is important to any profession.
“Make sure you have something that gets you up every morning wanting to go to work,” he states.
Although the officers describe law enforcement as a tough job, they are ready to begin their careers as police officers.
“It’s an awesome job and gives you the ability to have an impact on people and help them in many different ways. There are few jobs that are truly this impactful,” Carino dictates.
