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Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Police Chief Wilfredo Campos today announced the completion of the 102^nd Wilmington Police Academy, which began in August. The ceremony was held at the JPMorgan Chase Building and included family, friends, and supporters of the seven new Wilmington Police officers, who will begin their new assignments with the Uniformed Services Division on Monday.
 
The addition of these new police officers brings the total number of officers on the police force, which has an authorized strength – or budgeted police officer positions – of 312 members, to just under 290. The department in December launched the hiring process for the 103^rd Wilmington Police Academy, and applications are due March 1.
 
The application process for the 102^nd Wilmington Police Academy drew 51 applicants, and the seven who were selected to participate in the rigorous training program comprise the most diverse class in more than a decade, with 85% of the class being comprised of minority recruits. Additionally, five of the seven recruits were already City of Wilmington residents at the time of their acceptance.
 
The new Wilmington Police officers are Shannon Fletcher, Christian Gonzalez, John Gordy III, Michael Leonard, Trasina Miller, Destiny Snow-Ramos, and Ayanna Thompson.
 
The new officers will each be assigned to work with a more senior police officer who will serve as their field training officer for at least six months to develop experience on patrol.

"Chief Campos and I are extremely thankful to these seven new officers for choosing a career of such importance to the residents of Wilmington and to everyone who works in or visits our City,” said Mayor Purzycki. “This job can be challenging, stressful and, at times, unforgiving, but it is also one of the most rewarding forms of public service there is. It takes courage, stamina, and concern for others to successfully protect and defend our communities, and I have no doubt that these young men and women will serve the department and the people of Wilmington well. They have my admiration and support as they join what I firmly believe is one of the finest police departments in the entire country.”
 
The graduation also marked the completion of the Academy for Steven Plank of the Delaware Capitol Police.
 
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank, the Wilmington Police Department and its academy staff for allowing Delaware Capitol Police Recruit Steven Plank to attend the 102^nd Wilmington Police Academy,” said Chief Elmer C. Harris. “This training could not have been possible without the partnerships that has been developed between Wilmington Police Department and the Delaware Capitol Police.”
 
Chief Campos applauded the recruits for their accomplishments and spoke about the training they have received in each of the layered crime strategies that have been adopted by the Wilmington Police Department.
 
“We are proud to welcome these men and women to the Wilmington Police Department and are excited to support them as they embark upon a career in public service,” said Chief Campos. “At a time when recruitment is one of the biggest challenges facing police departments across the country, these seven recruits stepped up and answered our call – and we appreciate their decision to dedicate their careers to protecting and serving Wilmington.”
 
Chief Campos acknowledged the leadership of Major Anthony Bowers and Captain Andrea Janvier, and the staff in the WPD Human Resources Division, for their continued success in increasing the diversity of the department through attracting applicants and recruits with a range of racial and ethnic backgrounds.
 
The Chief also noted some of the most critical elements of the recruits’ training – surrounding procedural justice, law enforcement legitimacy, cultural diversity, and de-escalation.
 
The following graduates received special recognition today for extraordinary accomplishments during the 102^nd Police Academy: Ayanna Thompson received the Chief’s Trophy; Michael Leonard received The Attorney General’s Award; Shannon Fletcher received the Wilmington Retired Police Meritorious Award; John Gordy III received the Lt. James A. Diana Award; Michael Leonard received the Academic Excellence Award; Michael Leonard received the Physical Fitness Award; and Michael Leonard received the Top Marksmanship Award.
 
Patrolman Ramon Diaz, who graduated from the 101^st Wilmington Police Academy, received the Leonard Kittner Award at today’s ceremony, which recognizes the outstanding body of work on the part of a police officer who graduated from the previous academy class.
 
Are you interested in joining the next Wilmington Police Academy class? The application process for the 103^rd Wilmington Police Academy is now open! The deadline to submit your application is March 1, and you can learn more and apply online today at www.WilmingtonDE.gov/PoliceAcademy.