RAPPAHANNOCK
INFORMANT
RAPPAHANNOCK REGIONAL CRIMINAL
JUSTICE ACADEMY
June 30, 2015
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
Inside this issue:
by:
RRCJA Employee of the
Quarter
2
RRCJA Pre-Employment
Program Celebrates
5 Yr. Anniversary
2
Academy Partners with
Strayer University
3
Instructor Spotlight
Middletown
4
Leadership Institute
4
Middletown Donations
and Thanks
5
SWAT Basic School
Middletown
5
Instructor Spotlight
Fredericksburg
6
FBI/DEA Academy
Donates Training Mats
6
LEU Riders Stop at
Academy
7
JB #178 Middletown
Graduates
8
LE #134 Graduates
9-11
LE #135 Middletown
Graduates
Comm. Basic #118
and Animal Control
Graduates
Mike Harvey
RRCJA Executive Director
mharvey@rrcja.org
This has been a busy quarter at the academy! We welcomed two new staff members to
the Fredericksburg campus, Tom Vaclavicek as the law enforcement coordinator and
Zachary Williams as our jail coordinator.
In addition to bringing on our new employees, we have tightened our financial belt and it
looks as though we will be able to finish out the fiscal year under budget and under actual
revenue! I really appreciate all of the agency support in the way of donations so that we
can maintain our level of training while keeping costs low.
This spring, we also had to undergo our DCJS re-certification. This re-certification is required by the state every three years and examines our policies and content to ensure we
are providing the mandated training as outlined by DCJS. I am pleased to announce we
breezed through the audit with no problem.
As always, my door is open and I am available for any suggestions, concerns, or ideas you
have for the academy.
Yours in training,
Mike Harvey
Red Cross Blood Drive RRCJA Fredericksburg
12
1314
September 9 - Bloodmobile
October 19 - Bloodmobile
November 9 - Bloodmobile
email candijohnston@rrcja.org to sign up!
Page 2
RAPPAHANNOCK INFORMANT
RRCJA EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER
by: Mike Harvey
RRCJA Executive Director
mharvey@rrcja.org
The Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy Employee of the Quarter for the
second Quarter of 2015 is Finance Officer Candi Stewart.
Mrs. Stewart is primarily tasked with ensuring the financial records of the academy are up to date. She works
with the City of Fredericksburg, our fiscal agent, to ensure all revenues and expenditures are up to date and in
LE Basic #107
line with the academy budget. In addition, Mrs. Stewart volunteers her time in many other areas of the academy.
She spearheaded our spring “Walk this Weigh” campaign to help the staff become more active and raise money
for Law Enforcement United. Our staff lost a total of 40 pounds and we raised $400 for LEU. She helps with
various projects, whether it is putting a PowerPoint together, going through lesson plans, looking for DCJS criteria, taking the minutes for our multiple committee or board meetings or just keeping me informed on budgeting issues and she always does it with a smile on her face. No job is too big or too small for her! Mrs. Stewart is
truly an asset to the academy and the agencies we serve.
Please join me in congratulating Candi as the Employee of the Quarter for the second Quarter of 2015.
R.R.C.J.A. PRE-EMPLOYMENT CELEBRATES FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
By: R. Wayne Inabinet
RRCJA Assistant Director
winabinet@rrcja.org
It is hard to believe that five years have already passed since the inception of the Academy’s Pre-Employment
Lt. Debbie Shepherd teaches CPR skills to
Program. When the program started in 2010, the Academy was venturing
intoofan
area as one of the
members
JB uncharted
134.
first pre-employment programs in the area.
To date, over 90 Pre-Employment applicants have been accepted into the Law Enforcement, Jail Basic, Animal
Control, and Communications programs. The program continues to enjoy over a 90% hire rate with nearly a
100% hire rate for our military veterans.
A sincere “Thank You” goes out to the men and women of our member agencies for your applicant referrals
and continued support of the program.
Support your local Academy!
L. E. #136 Practical Testing Dates:
Officer Survival
Patrol Techniques
DUI Wet Lab I
Drinkers/Chaperones Wet Lab II
Evaluators
November 4
September 29-30
October 8 (drinkers only)
October 9
October 9
0900-1800
1300-2200
1000
1200-2200
1400-2200
Page 3
RAPPAHANNOCK INFORMANT
by: Mike Harvey
RRCJA Executive Director
mharvey@rrcja.org
The academy partners with Strayer University!
I am pleased to announce the academy has partnered with Strayer University to help our members achieve their
LE Basic
#107
higher education goals. Strayer University has recently reviewed our law
enforcement
basic program and will be
awarding 45 college credits in their Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree. Any of our members who
have completed the law enforcement basic program can get these credits. Please see the chart below. Members
can choose to take classes on-ground at any one of the Strayer campuses nationwide or on-line.
Course
Course Title
Credits
Code
CRJ 100
Introduction to Criminal Justice
4.5
CRJ 105
Crime and Criminal Behavior
4.5
CRJ 180
4.5
LEG 320
Juvenile Delinquency and Justice
Ethics & Leadership in Criminal
Justice
Criminal Law
CRJ 320
Criminal Investigation
4.5
CRJ 325
Criminal Procedure
4.5
CRJ 435
Drugs, Gangs & Organized Crime
4.5
CRJ 400
Crime Prevention Strategy
4.5
CRJ 220
CRJ420
Emergency Management
Total Credits
4.5
4.5
Lt. Debbie Shepherd teaches CPR skills to
members of JB 134. 4.5
45
Strayer University and RRCJA also have several other projects in the works. Please watch your e-mails for additional partnerships!
I would like to thank Dr. Wesley Phillips who worked to see this partnership become a reality. Anyone who has
questions about this program or wants information about enrollment is encouraged to contact him at:
Dr. Wesley E. Phillips, Jr.
Campus Dean
Strayer University
Fredericksburg Campus
150 Riverside Parkway, Suite 100
Fredericksburg, VA 22406
PHONE: 540-374-4310
E-FAX: 540-301-1711
Direct FAX: 540-374-4333
Wesley.phillips@strayer.edu
Page 4
RAPPAHANNOCK INFORMANT
INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT – MIDDLETOWN
by:
Bruce Coor
Basic Schools Coordinator Middletown
bcoor@rrcja.org
CAPTAIN ROGER VOROUS
Anyone who has worked as a law enforcement officer or corrections officer
during the past twenty years in the northern Shenandoah Valley knows Roger
Vorous. Roger started his career as a Deputy Sheriff with the Warren County
Sheriff’s Office in 1990. Over the course of his career, Roger has worked in the
LE Basic #107
jail and on the road as a patrol deputy, sergeant, lieutenant and in January
of this year was promoted to Captain
of Court Services. He served on the Department’s Special Operations team and was the team’s Assistant Commander for seven years.
Roger became an instructor in 1995 and has been teaching ever since. He is a certified General, Defensive Tactics and Taser Instructor. Roger has contributed many hours of teaching and shared a wealth of knowledge to
both law enforcement and corrections officer basic classes at the Academy thru training DT, Use of Force, Impact Weapons, and ELJ.
In addition to his criminal justice responsibilities, Roger serves his church as a preacher and trustee. He serves
as the Chaplain for his department and recently accepted appointment as the Academy’s Chaplain for the Middletown campus. When he is not working, teaching, or preaching, Roger enjoys riding his Harley and spending
time with his family.
The academy not only appreciates the many hours Roger spends teaching and mentoring recruits in both the LE
and Jail basic programs, but also the spiritual strength he demonstrates as a law enforcement officer and person.
Thank you.
RRCJA AND LFCC WORKFORCE SOLUTIONSLt.LEADERSHIP
INSTITUTE
Debbie Shepherd teaches CPR skills to
By: Tommie Bower
RRCJA Assistant Director, Middletown
tbower@rrcja.org
members of JB 134.
RRCJA and LFCC Workforce Solutions Leadership Institute graduated May 19, 2015.
Our participants worked hard to complete 10 sessions on various leadership topics over a course of 5 months.
Thanks to all of our instructors and LFCC workforce solutions instructors and staff for all of their dedication
and drive to make this happen. Congratulations to all!
Page 5
RAPPAHANNOCK INFORMANT
MIDDLETOWN DONATIONS AND THANKS:
by: Tommie Bower
RRCJA Assistant Director, Middletown
tbower@rrcja.org
Clarke County Sheriff’s Office for the use of SIMM rounds, equipment, and instructors for our LE Officer Survival.
Warren County Sheriff’s Office for allowing the academy to set up and use their empty jail block as well as
providing instructors for Jail Basic cell search and entry level practical testing.
Basic
#107
Winchester Police Department for the donation of a glass display caseLEand
light
bar for the recruit break room.
Haymarket Police Department for the donation of a cruiser.
2 WEEK SWAT BASIC SCHOOL
By: Dave Dailey
In-Service Coordinator, Middletown
ddailey@rrcja.org
June 8-19, 2015
Middletown campus held an academy sponsored two week SWAT Basic
School in the area. Law Enforcement personnel from Culpeper County
Sheriff’s Office, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Clarke County Sheriff’s
Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Winchester PD, DEA, Department
of State, U.S. Border Patrol and the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Services had students enrolled in this school. The instructors that taught the
class were officers and SWAT members of the Winchester Police DepartLt. Debbie Shepherd teaches CPR skills to
ment.
members of JB 134.
This Swat Basic School was held during an unusually hot portion of the year. The school includes not only firearms training, but an intense amount of physical training. SWAT Basic is a physically demanding specialty training
course that focuses on High Risk Searches, Barricade Situations, Hostage Rescue, Vehicle Assaults and more.
The academy ordered and provided specific realistic looking targets for shoot don’t shoot scenarios. The academy also obtained and provided SIM guns and SIM rounds for various training scenarios. The addition of SIM’s
provides a very realistic feel and cranks up the intensity of the training.
The 2 week SWAT Basic School was held in a few different locations. These special facilities offered an elevated
caliber of quality training not normally available to local law enforcement. It was through devoted instructors
that professional relationships were developed with Federal agencies. Working together local law enforcement
can now benefit from these special training facilities. Thank you to the SWAT Basic instructors. They did an
amazing job. Their coordination with outside facilities, meeting training objectives, developing scenarios and
their passion for high quality training is unmatched.
Thank you to the Department of State and U.S. Customs Border Protection for their generosity and assistance.
Thank you to the Winchester Police Department and all the instructors for making this 2 Week SWAT Basic
School a tremendous success.
Page 6
RAPPAHANNOCK INFORMANT
INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT – FREDERICKSBURG
by:
Zack Williams
Jail Basic Coordinator
zwilliams@rrcja.org
Corporal Steven Shiner, of the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office, joined the
instruction team in 2010. Since then, he has authored two classes, Spanish
for Emergencies and Public Speaking. Cpl. Shiner has also taught multiple
core classes for both the Jail Basic and Law Enforcement Basic programs,
including Patrol Techniques at the Middletown Campus, and various core installment classes at the Fredericksburg Campus. In 2013, Cpl. Shiner became a Defensive Tactics Instructor, and routinely teaches the Jail Basic
LE Basic #107
Defensive Tactics program at Fredericksburg.
Cpl. Shiner graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield, Virginia, in 1988 and attended Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, until 1991. After spending 13 years in the Private Security Services industry, he
worked at the Rappahannock Regional Jail before joining the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office in 2005. Cpl. Shiner has worked in the Fauquier County Jail, and has been assigned to the patrol division since 2008, spending two
of those years assigned to the special enforcement team and is currently a patrol supervisor working the midnight shift. Cpl. Shiner is the father of 4 children, ranging in age from 17 to 9, and is supported by his wife of 11
years, Brenda. He enjoys running, working out, and playing golf.
FBI/DEA ACADEMY DONATES TRAINING MATS TO THE ACADEMY
By: R. Wayne Inabinet
RRCJA Assistant Director
winabinet@rrcja.org
The Academy would like to thank First Lieutenant Joe Pittman of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, and the
FBI/DEA Academy for the donation of several large wrestling mats for our gymnasium. Two of the mats, measLt.our
Debbie
Shepherd
teaches
CPR skills
to
uring 20’ x 40’ each, are in great condition and will help replace many of
smaller
mats
that have
experienced
members of JB 134.
years of wear and tear. Lt. Pittman learned of the availability of the mats through a contact, Joe Diaz, DEA and
reached out to our Academy to see if there was a need for them. The mats will be of great benefit to our Basic
training programs especially in the areas of Defensive Tactics and Officer Survival training.
(Chris Staples, Jason Forman, Joe Diaz (DEA), Joseph Pittman, and Zachary Williams)
Page 7
RAPPAHANNOCK INFORMANT
LAW ENFORCEMENT UNITY RIDERS STOP AT ACADEMY
By: R. Wayne Inabinet
RRCJA Assistant Director
winabinet@rrcja.org
On May 11, 2015, members of the Law Enforcement United Ride stopped by the Fredericksburg campus on
their way to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. They also stopped to pay tribute to
fallen Deputy Bryan Berger, who passed away suddenly during a training exercise at the Academy. Academy
Director Mike Harvey praised the riders for their dedication and sacrifice and expressed his honor and appreciation for making the Academy one of their destinations. The ridersLEcame
Basicfrom
#107 various jurisdictions from Virginia as well as other states.
PICS FORMS
All PIC Forms are due to RRCJA Fredericksburg
Office
Lt. Debbie Shepherd teaches CPR skills to
within 60 days! DCJS will not accept
members
them
of JB 134.
after the
deadline.
LEGAL / CULTURAL DIVERSITY CLASSES
RRCJA FREDERICKSBURG CAMPUS
October 5, 2015
December 7, 2015
Page 8
RAPPAHANNOCK INFORMANT
JAIL BASIC #178 MIDDLETOWN GRADUATES
by:
Bruce Coor
Basic Schools Coordinator Middletown
bcoor@rrcja.org
The recruits of Jail Officer Basic Class 178 graduated on April 9, 2015.
Academy Executive Director Mike Harvey opened the ceremony by congratulating the recruits on their perseverance and dedication to fulfill the requirements to become certified jail officers. Director Harvey also
thanked the parents, spouses, family members and friends who supported each recruit during their time at the
academy.
LE Basic #107
Mr. Mark Butler, owner of 3D Professional, was asked by the class to be the keynote speaker at their graduation. Mr. Butler, who served as a classroom and practical instructor during the 10 week course, spoke about
the evolving profession of Corrections and emphasized the need for officers to not only maintain proficiency in
their field but to also pursue a healthy and fulfilling personal life.
Executive Director Harvey and Assistant Director Tommie Bower presented the graduates with their certificates and awards. Recruit James Cooper, Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center (NRADC), received
the Top Overall Achievement Award and the Sgt. Ricky L. Timbrook Award for Top Performance Achievement;
Recruit Emily Jackson, NRADC, received the Top Academic Achievement Award; Recruit Cody Landis,
NRADC, received the Top Physical Fitness Award; and, Recruit Joseph Rippeon, NRADC, received the Top
Skills Achievement Award.
Recruit Matthew Whitley, NRADC, spoke on behalf of the class recalling the highlights of their time together at
the academy. Academy Chaplin Captain Roger Vorous from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office gave the benediction and prayed for blessings upon each member of the class. Finally, Director Harvey congratulated the
class on their accomplishments and gave the final order for the class to dismiss.
Lt. Debbie Shepherd teaches CPR skills to
of JB
134.
A special thanks goes out to each agency and their training officers formembers
providing
instructors
for the courses and
to the Superintendents, Sheriffs, and Chiefs whose dedication and continued support make the Jail Officer Basic
training program successful.
Page 9
RAPPAHANNOCK INFORMANT
LAW ENFORCEMENT BASIC #134
“Trust, But Verify”
By: SaraAnn Bailey
Coordinator’s Assistant
sbailey@rrcja.org
Law Enforcement Basic #134 graduated on May 20, 2015, in Mary Washington University’s Dodd Auditorium in
Fredericksburg. L.E. #134 began the Academy on January 12, 2015, enduring several challenges together
throughout the duration of their 19 weeks. Through it all, they remained professional and motivated. At the
conclusion of the basic program L.E. Basic #134 had become a family of
LE brothers
Basic #107 and sisters in blue.
The Academy Director, Mike Harvey, was the master of ceremonies for the event. Director Harvey along with
the Law Enforcement Coordinator, Tom Vaclavicek, presented the class with their certificates. Many thanks go
out to our guest speaker, Investigator Scott Hamilton, of the King William County Sheriff’s Office. This was Investigator Hamilton’s first time being nominated by the basic recruits to speak at graduation and he did not disappoint. He used his wit and humor to deliver a memorable message to the class. Ron Owens of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office was denoted class speaker, to say a few words as well. He thanked the Academy and
its staff for their hard work and dedication.
The Academy wishes to thank Sheriff Tony Lippa of the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, for his humor and
heartfelt words of wisdom to our newest LEOs. We also want to express our sincere appreciation to Mary
Washington University Police Department and the University of Mary Washington Staff, especially Doug Noble.
We thank you all so much for letting us use your facilities once again for another beautiful graduation.
Lt. Debbie Shepherd teaches CPR skills to
members of JB 134.
(LE #134 Continued on Pg. 10)
Page 10
RAPPAHANNOCK INFORMANT
(LE #134 Continued from Pg. 9)
Congratulations, Law Enforcement Basic #134. Be safe out there!
Colonial Beach Police Department
Leslie Parsons
Dumfries Police Department
Phillip Cooke
Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office
Christopher Moline
Brandon Repass
LE Basic #107
King George County Sheriff’s Office
Alexander Hamilton
Tyler Nimon
Carl Raich
Kyle Raines
Louisa County Sheriff’s Office
Ryan Liddle
Northumberland County Sheriff’s Office
Edward Fisher
Orange County Sheriff’s Office
Jennifer King
Christopher McKeon
Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy
Christopher Tolbert
Lt. Debbie Shepherd teaches CPR skills to
members of JB 134.
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office
Joseph Gordon
Danny Maupin
Richard Thomas
Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office
Jessica Brown
Ron Owens
Richard Vasquez
Stafford County Sheriff’s Office
Lucas Burgess
Ryan Weatherholtz
William Douglas
Adam Wolford
David French
Hunter Young
Andrew McQuillan
Jauntianne Saleigh
(LE #134 Continued on Pg. 11)
Page 11
RAPPAHANNOCK INFORMANT
(LE #134 Continued from Pg. 10)
Tappahannock Police Department
Olivia Hurd
Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office
Brian Fogarty
Christopher Jones
Law Enforcement Basic #134 Award Winners
Jennifer King-Orange Co SO
Charles E. Murray, Jr., Top Performance Achievement Award
LE Basic #107
Jauntianne Saleigh-Stafford Co SO
Top Academic Achievement
Top Overall Achievement
Christopher Tolbert-RRCJA
Top Skills Achievement
Tyler Nimon-King George Co SO
Top Male Physical Fitness
Jessica Brown-Spotsylvania Co SO
Top Female Physical Fitness
Lt. Debbie Shepherd teaches CPR skills to
members of JB 134.
Page 12
RAPPAHANNOCK INFORMANT
MIDDLETOWN’S LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BASIC CLASS #135
GRADUATES
By: Bruce Coor
Basic School Coordinator, Middletown
bcoor@rrcja.org
The recruits of Law Enforcement Officer Basic Class 135 graduated on May 21, 2015.
Academy Executive Director Mike Harvey opened the ceremony by congratulating the recruits on their perseverance and
dedication to fulfill the requirement to become certified law enforcement. Director Harvey also thanked the parents,
spouses, family members and friends who supported each recruit during their time at the academy.
LE Basic #107
Master Police Officer Travis Cave, Front Royal Police Department, was keynote speaker at graduation. MPO Cave spent a
great deal of time with the class as Lead Instructor for the Patrol Techniques block of instruction and as part of the instruction team for the Officer Survival block of instruction. MPO Cave commented about the growing challenges facing those in
the law enforcement profession and the need for officers to maintain the utmost integrity during their careers.
Executive Director Harvey and Assistant Director Tommie Bower presented the graduates with their certificates and
awards. Class Leader Recruit Gerald Umbel, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office received the Top Overall Achievement
Award; Recruit Andrew Haywood, Front Royal Police Department, tied with Recruit Umbel to receive the Top Academic
Achievement Award; Pre-Employment Recruit Jacob Kennedy, Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy, received
the Top Skills Achievement Award, and, Chaz Niang, Winchester Police Department, was selected by academy staff, instructors and his classmates to receive the Sgt. Ricky L. Timbrook Award for Top Performance Achievement.
Speaking on behalf of his class, Recruit Niang pointed out, “Although our class was small and a bit unorthodox, we combined diverse strengths to excel and help guide one another.” Academy Chaplin Captain Roger Vorous from the Warren
County Sheriff’s Office gave the benediction and prayed for blessings upon each member of the class. Finally, Director Harvey congratulated the class on their accomplishments and gave the final order for the class to dismiss.
A special thanks goes out to each agency and their training officers for providing instructors for the course and to the SuLt. Debbie
Shepherd
teaches CPR
skills
to trainperintendents, Sheriffs, and Chiefs whose dedication and continued support make
the Law
Enforcement
Officer
Basic
members of JB 134.
ing program successful.
Page 13
RAPPAHANNOCK INFORMANT
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER BASIC #118
by:
Monica Fesq
Coordinator’s Assistant
mfesq@rrcja.org
The recruits of Communications Officer Basic #118 began the Academy on June 1, 2015, representing 11 different agencies. They graduated on June 10, 2015.
During their tenure at the Academy, these men and women had to demonstrate their ability to perform various
tasks to include answering calls and dispatching fire, rescue and/or police.
Basic #107
Valerie Morris of Fredericksburg Police Department was the guestLEspeaker
at graduation. Wayne Inabinet,
RRCJA Assistant Director, and Monica Fesq, RRCJA Coordinator’s Assistant, presented the graduates with
their certificates.
A special thank you goes out to each of the agencies that supplied instructors during the Communications Officer Basic. Thank you for your dedication and support to help make the Communications Officer Basic Program a success.
Congratulations to each of the graduates.
Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office
C. Fennell, IV
B. Miller
W. Seymour
M. Wright
Ft. Myer Police Department
W. Carroll
C. Jones
Fredericksburg Police Department
J. Diamond
Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
C. Frost
Northumberland County Sheriff’s Office
D. Gordon
Z. Kues
Orange County Emergency Comm. Center
S. Albertson
Orange County Sheriff’s Office
B. Schmeider
X. Serrano
Rappahannock County Sheriff’s Office
V. Carter
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office
A. Birchett
D. Davis
Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office
V. Gray
Lt. Debbie Shepherd teaches CPR skills to
M. Russell members of JB 134.
Page 14
RAPPAHANNOCK INFORMANT
ANIMAL CONTROL BASIC GRADUATES
by:
Monica Fesq
Coordinator’s Assistant
mfesq@rrcja.org
The Animal Control Basic Class held their graduation ceremony on Friday, May 1, 2015, after three weeks of
intense training.
Capt. William Tydings, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, was the guest speaker. Karen Wessel, RRCJA
Training Coordinator, and Monica Fesq, Coordinator’s Assistant, presented the graduates with their certificates
and awards.
LE Basic #107
A special thank you goes out to Dr. Kathy Bauer, Dr. Carolyn Bissett and all of the agencies who provided instructors for this class. Thank you for your dedication and support to help make the Animal Control Officer
Basic Program a success.
Congratulations to each of the graduates:
Augusta County Sheriff’s Office
J. Anderson
Fairfax City Police Department
T. Carroll
Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office
R. Elam
Hanover County Police Dept
R. Gayle
V. Powers
King George County Sheriff’s Office
R. Brooks
Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office
J. Smith
Lt. Debbie Shepherd teaches CPR skills to
members of JB 134.