LCCC Police Academy Graduates 24 Cadets
Press Release
Posted 11, 2022
Twenty-four cadets graduated from the Lorain County Community College Police Academy on October 11, prepared to begin careers in law enforcement.
The newest group of graduates are the latest graduates in the 20-year history of the LCCC Police Academy. In total, 696 cadets have completed the program since the academy began in 2002. LCCC is the number one location for first responder training – including police officers – in Lorain County.
LCCC President Marcia J. Ballinger, Ph.D, congratulated the cadets.
“This academy is the best of the best,” Ballinger said “As you each go forward to serve local communities, you will set the standard for safety and behavior – whether you are on duty or off. I know that each of you will rise to this responsibility, while bringing security to the communities you serve.”
The majority of academy graduates find employment with local police departments. In fact, 13 cadets in the current class are already employed by local departments, and many others are in the hiring process. Included in that group is Brittanny Clink-Miller, the president of the graduating class.
Clink-Miller, 38 from North Ridgeville, was commissioned in the academy by Elyria Police Department. A mother of six, she found her way to law enforcement by way of an unexpected route. Clink-Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Cleveland State University. After earning her degree, she worked as an oral surgery assistant with plans to continue her education in nursing. That’s when things took an unexpected turn.
“I stumbled upon the Cleveland Mounted Unit that was hiring a trainer,” Clink-Miller recalled. “I am a horse owner and rider with experience, so I applied.”
The position was a great fit for Clink-Miller and by way of her love for horses, she was introduced to the world of law enforcement.
“I was able to ride the street with officers, and over time I developed the desire to become an officer myself,” she said.
She was hired by Elyria Police Department, which sponsored her completion of the LCCC Police Academy. She said she feels well prepared for her career.
“I feel blessed to have been part of this academy. We set high standards for ourselves from the start and we achieved our goals,” Clink-Miller said.
The rigor of the academy has prepared the cadets well for careers in law enforcement, LCCC Police Academy Commander Richard Thomas said.
“In a time when the tasks of those sworn to upload the law have become more difficult and complex, these young men and women epitomize all that is right and great with this country and its youth,” Thomas said.