MARIETTA— Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) recently graduated 11 students from its Peace Officer Basic Academy (POBA). As a result of the high demand for law enforcement officers, nearly all cadets had job offers prior to completing the program.
“The POBA program here at Washington State is, in my opinion, one of the most challenging programs we offer. That’s because it’s not only mentally, but physically taxing,” said Joe Browning, WSCO’s Director of Public Safety and POBA Commander.
Browning went on to explain that POBA classes are taught by active and recently retired peace officers, who are able to impart their real-world experience to the cadets. “These academy graduates are leaving here equipped for safety and survival, and they are all committed to keeping our community safe. I’m very proud of the work and dedication they’ve shown throughout the program. I would recommend any of them for a position with our local law enforcement agencies.” He added that 95% of the cadets already have jobs contingent on their successful testing on the state exam.
Graduates included: Olivia Alloway, Bradley Bilyeu, William Bonney, Andrew Currey, Matthew Eichhorn II, Elijah Gardener, Jeremy Maxwell, Luke Thornberry, Dustin Timberman, Michelle VanWay, and Dakota Walters.
The college is currently accepting applications for the academy that will begin on August 14. Classes will run in the evenings Monday through Friday with some weekends and will span the fall and spring semesters. The first point of entry into the academy is passing the state-mandated physical training test. The endurance assessment includes 1 minute of sit-ups, one minute of push-ups, and a mile-and-a-half run. For testing and program enrollment details, contact POBA Commander Joe Browning at jbrowning1@wscc.edu or call 740-885-5645.
Photo Identification
Front row, left to right: WSCO Dean of Transfer and Public Services Dr. Jona Rinard, Elijah Gardener, Michelle VanWay, Andrew Currey, Olivia Alloway, Matthew Eichhorn II, and WSCO Director of Public Safety and POBA Commander Joseph Browning. Back row, left to right: Luke Thornberry, Dakota Walters, Dustin Timberman, Bradley Bilyeu, Jeremy Maxwell, and William Bonney.
