(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA – December 19, 2023)—Forty-six students graduated from Delaware County Community College’s Municipal Police Academy on December 14 during a ceremony held at Ridley High School. The graduates included 17 newly hired officers for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, 11 female cadets, three Media Borough officers, two Darby Borough officers, one Folcroft officer, one Upper Darby officer, and one Villanova University officer.

The oldest graduating cadet was Jeff Galitski, 53, of West Goshen. “After working professionally for 25 years, I decided to pursue my interest in public service,” Galitski said. “I have a strong desire to work as a police officer because I believe in making a positive impact on people’s lives. Helping those in need, providing support during critical moments, and ensuring the safety of individuals and families will be a truly rewarding experience for me.”

More than 95 percent of the municipal police officers in Delaware County and more than 75 percent of the police officers in Chester County graduate from the College’s Police Academy. Cadets are required to complete a rigorous, 920-hour curriculum that includes extensive instruction in firearms, physical fitness, self-defense, Homeland Security, scenario training and practical exercises. The Academy is certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission. Training and coursework take place at the College’s Marple Campus. Delaware County Community College’s Police Academy conducts training in accordance with Pennsylvania Legislative Act 120. 

The MPA has been serving the community since 1977 and conducts mandatory Act 180 in-service training for current municipal police officers. The next Police Academy class starts in January 2024. Interested individuals should visit www.dccc.edu/mpa for more information.

Photo caption 1: Among the cadets who graduated December 14 from the College’s Municipal Police Academy are (L to R) Constance Finney of Philadelphia, Brianna Schrader of Prospect Park, Angela Faraglia of Clifton Heights, Juliana Ehnot of Aldan and Taryn Kelly of Broomall. Photo credit: Jim McWilliams

Photo caption 2: A bagpiper plays in honor of graduating cadets at the College’s Municipal Police Academy graduation.

Photo credit: Jim McWilliams