Aaron Berkowitz – General Assignment Reporter
The SCSU Police force welcomed two new officers into their family as both officers Jacob Luchuk and Emmanuel Cordero graduated from their six month training camp on Wednesday. Their traditional swearing in ceremony took place on Thursday and marked day one of another journey, said Luchuk.
“This is just the beginning of a long, exciting, and rewarding career,” said Luchuk. “It has been a challenge to get to this point and it’s going to continue to be challenging, but it should be a lot of fun too and I look forward to getting to know the students.”
Cordero said he was extremely happy to be done with that portion of training because of how difficult it was.
“Its kind of funny,” said Cordero, “because I went through basic training at 19 and the physical aspect of training was easy, it was more the mental aspects that I found to be a challenge. Now that I’m 33 the rules have switched.”
Cordero also said it meant a lot to him how the police force at SCSU welcomed him with open arms.
“They’ve helped me a lot,” said Cordero. “The relationships you build helps you calm any nerves and makes the transition easier.”
Both officers said they aim to make a difference on campus and get to know students as well.
Photo Credit: Isabel Chenoweth/SCSU Public Affairs)
“I want to get as involved as possible,” said Cordero. “We don’t want to walk around and give people a hard time just keep the campus safe.”
James E. Blake, executive vice president of finance and administration, attended the ceremony Thursday and joked that the time of their training had flown by for him.
“We have made an investment in you two and we hope that you will make the same investment in us,” said Blake to the two officers during their individual ceremonies. “This is a great day and I am glad that both of your families are here to see your achievements celebrated.”
Deputy Chief Philip J. Pessina, said officers Luchuk and Cordero are perfect fits for the family they have built with the force.
“When we look at the candidates we had and were making a selection we make sure to check that they will be a good family member. By what they have shown us in training and the experience they bring to the table all adds to us,” said Pessina
Chief Dooley said the two new officers being sworn into the family makes it 27 officers on campus and they are anticipating another recruit’s graduation in December. The Chief also spoke very highly of the two new officers during the speech he gave at the ceremony and said he expects them to be great additions to the force.
“We’re welcoming them into our community and we are very excited about it. Both of these officers’ military background makes them extremely valuable and on top of that they’re just really nice guys,” said Dooley. “With what they bring to this campus, we couldn’t be more proud of.”
Dooley said he was happy with the amount of staff and family that came to show their support for the two new officers.
“This is a campus event today,” said Dooley. “There are Hall Directors, Student Government, and a list of other people here today all to celebrate the achievements.”
