21 graduate from Wichita-Sedgwick County training academy

Christopher Miller couldn’t imagine having a career where he didn’t get to serve the community.

After graduating Friday from the Wichita-Sedgwick County Law Enforcement Training Academy, Miller will get to do just that.

“I’m looking forward to helping people and talking to people and just getting to know the job,” he said.

Miller graduated alongside 20 others – 15 other Wichita police officers and five Sedgwick County sheriff’s deputies – Friday at the Central Community Church. Miller was selected as the class president by the Wichita Police Department class.

The spring 2017 graduating class, donning their crisp blue or brown uniforms, crossed the stage after completing a 24-week program that covered such topics as interpersonal communication, defense tactics, legal issues and firearms training.

A video played on a loop before the start of the ceremony, displaying footage of trainees practicing evasive driving, getting tazed or being pepper-sprayed while continuing to restrain their target or initiate combat.

Vince Folston, one of the graduating sheriff’s deputies, said it’s good to be done but that the real challenge has yet to come.

“It’s wonderful. This is a great blessing. But I’m just ready to start my career now,” he said. “The academy was the easy part.”

Melissa Howell, who was selected as class president by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office class, shared the same sentiment as Folston.

“It feels good, but the real work is ahead of us,” she said. “I’m just looking forward to embarking on a new career with a lot more opportunities.”

About 150 families and friends attended the commencement ceremony, which included comments from Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Richard Powell.

Now, the 21 graduates will begin several weeks of field training, where they will be partnered with experienced officers and deputies.

Miller, who received an academic achievement, physical fitness and marksmanship award, said he’s eager to continue learning.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m lucky to be standing here,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting out there and putting what we’ve learned to the test.”

This story was originally published June 30, 2017 at 2:43 PM with the headline "21 graduate from Wichita-Sedgwick County training academy."