POUGHKEEPSIE – Twenty-seven new police recruits began their law enforcement career on Monday at the Dutchess County Law Enforcement Academy at the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) in Poughkeepsie. The recruits represent 11 law enforcement agencies from three counties and will spend the next 23 weeks in the academy before going to their respective departments.
The group heard opening remarks from Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati, who previously served as the director of the academy. Imperati stressed the importance of trying to be better every day, not only in their career but in life in general. He also stressed the importance of the motto that his predecessor, the late Sheriff Butch Anderson told every attendee of each academy; “treat people the way you would want to be treated,” during every interaction.
Dutchess County Executive William “Bill” O’Neil spoke briefly and thanked the recruits for their commitment to being a member of law enforcement at a time when “People are out to get you just because you are doing your job.” Chief Assistant District Attorney Matt Weishaupt addressed the class, noting that even though he’s been a prosecutor for 36 years, he started by “sitting in the same seat you are in today,” having served as a deputy with the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office before going to the New Paltz Police Department and rounding out his police work at the FBI. He assured the class that the academy will challenge them but “The community is “A better place because of you.”
Dutchess County Clerk Bradford Kendall administered the oath of office to the recruits. Rather than having them all say their names at the same time, he had them say their names one at a time along with the department they represent, before completing the oath.
The Town of Lloyd has two full-time recruits in the class, according to Police Chief Jim Janso, who has great respect for the Dutchess academy. “This academy is one of the best police academies in New York. This academy gives the recruit officer all the training and tools needed to serve their communities,” said the Chief, adding “I am confident upon graduation these officers will be the best of the best and will be an asset to their community and department.”
This class marks the 27th session of the Dutchess County Law Enforcement Academy and is administered by DCSO Detective Kate Capalbo with Deputy Sheriff Adrienne Licari serving as the Assistant Director.
Departments with recruits in the class:
- Columbia County Sheriff’s Office
- Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office
- City of Poughkeepsie Police Department
- City of Newburgh Police Department
- Greene County Sheriff’s Office
- Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department
- Town of East Fishkill Police Department
- City of Beacon Police Department
- City of Hudson Police Department
- Town of Lloyd Police Department
- SUNY New Paltz University Police Department
Video of the recruits as the academy begins:
