2025 campus peace officer recruits at graduation (Front row, from left: Misty Stephens, Mariyah Byrd and Jesus Gorra; back row, from left: Megan Healey, Brennan Kreis and Matthew Calley)
On Aug. 14, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) welcomed families, friends and colleagues of the 9th Peace Officer Academy recruits to a graduation event. The ceremony, held at Drumlins Country Club, was the perfect culmination of their accomplishments over the last few months.
“Our graduates have shown great discipline and dedication throughout their 22 weeks of training,” says Michael Bunker, associate vice president and chief of DPS. “They now join a department committed to service, professionalism and care for the Syracuse University community.”
The graduates joining the Syracuse University DPS are:
The graduate joining Onondaga Community College DPS is:
“We are incredibly proud of this graduating class,” says Sgt. Adam Wheeler, academy director. “Over the past 22 weeks, these recruits have demonstrated commitment, discipline and resilience. They are now well-prepared to start field training and learn how to serve our community with professionalism, integrity and compassion from our seasoned officers.”
During the ceremony, in addition to the badge pinning and certificates being distributed, special honors were given to a couple of graduates. Jesus Gorra, Mariyah Byrd, Matthew Calley and Megan Healey received performance-based awards, while Mariyah Byrd was also honored as the valedictorian of the class.
The newest DPS graduates will now begin their time as field training officers, working side by side with veteran DPS officers as they complete the required 480 hours of training before becoming fully qualified officers and officially completing the training program.
DPS provides around-the-clock protection to the Syracuse University campus. Through various patrol and crime prevention efforts, the department partners with students, faculty and staff to identify, recognize and eliminate crime hazards and risks within the campus community.
