LEWISTON — In a time of what seem like impossible challenges for law enforcement, FBI Special Agent Jonathan Lacey told the 64th graduating class of the Niagara Country Law Enforcement Academy that he saw only promise, potential and possibilities for them.<\/p>\n
The keynote speaker at ceremonies late Wednesday afternoon at the Castellani Art Museum on the Niagara University campus, Lacey said that as a veteran of the FBI of more than 20 years speaking to the police recruits led him to reflect on his own beginnings in law enforcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were faced with circumstances that could have dampened our enthusiasm,\u201d Lacey told the 14-member academy class. \u201cEvery generation of law enforcement starts with what seems like insurmountable circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Lacey told the grads to be optimistic because every generation of law enforcement starts out better trained and better prepared and that is where the \u201cpromise\u201d comes from.<\/p>\n
Lacey also told the rookie cops that they should be thankful and vigilant.
\n\u201cBe thankful for the responsibility entrusted to you,\u201d the FBI agent said. \u201cBe vigilant, keep watch over the citizens you are sworn to protect. And balance your safety, with the need to be compassionate public servants.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lacey warned that on the street, the grads will see more of the worst and darkest elements of society than anyone else. He urged them to not let that darkness overtake them.
\n\u201cBe connected to your community,\u201d Lacey counseled. \u201cStay connected with something positive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of the 14 graduates, two will immediately join the ranks of local law enforcement. Aaron Coney is the newest deputy at the Niagara County Sheriff\u2019s Office.
\nDarren DeSants will be the newest cop on the beat in Niagara Falls.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour work is not simply work,\u201d Niagara University President the Rev. James Maher said. \u201cYour work is a calling.
\nClass President Marissa Bonito reminded her classmates about how they grew from a group of individuals into a team.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeamwork got us through,\u201d she reminded the grads. \u201cTrust in your training and never stop training.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NU ceremony honors law enforcement grads FBI special agent offers advice to Niagara Country Law Enforcement Academy graduates By Rick Pfeiffer rick.pfeiffer@niagara-gazette.com May 11, 2017 LEWISTON — In a time of what seem like impossible challenges for law enforcement, FBI Special Agent Jonathan Lacey told the 64th graduating class of the Niagara Country Law Enforcement […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":347,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n