In a special badging ceremony hosted by The Windsor Police Service, seven recent graduates from St. Clair College became sworn officers in the City of Windsor and Town of Amherstburg.
The class featured 11 new officers, the majority of whom graduated from the Police Foundations program at St. Clair College.
Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire addressed the new constables at the Major F. Tilston Armoury and Police Training Centre on Oct. 16, 2024, before a crowd of family, friends, and dignitaries.
"Today is a momentous occasion in your lives and your careers, and you should be extremely proud of having reached this milestone," said Chief Bellaire. "This is more than a career; it is a calling. It's an opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives."
"Your families and colleagues and many others have invested in your success, and now it's time for you to invest yourselves in the community," Chief Bellaire said.
After graduating from their respective post-secondary institutions, each officer undertook basic training at the Ontario Police College.
The badging ceremony saw the new officers receive their badges, in some cases from parents and siblings, who are also uniformed officers with a variety of police services across Ontario.
Deputy Chief Jason Crowley remarked that St. Clair College has long been a valued partner of the Windsor Police Service.
A newly sworn-in officer salutes Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire during a special badging ceremony in Windsor, Ont. on Oct. 16, 2024. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
"We continue to see graduates of the College apply to the Windsor Police Service, which are well prepared and knowledgeable candidates for policing," said Dep. Chief Crowley. "This is evident having seven of our eleven most recent graduates of the Ontario Police College, also graduates of St. Clair College."
"The recruits we hire who graduate from St. Clair College are consistently hard-working and eager to serve their community," he said.
Also in attendance Wednesday evening was Biagio Lattuca, the Chair of the School of Community Studies, as well as College President Michael Silvaggi and Senior Vice President of College Communications and External Affairs, John Fairley.
"I am incredibly proud of the quality of students graduating from our Police Foundations program at St. Clair College. Each individual possesses a solid academic foundation along with the practical skills necessary for a successful career in law enforcement," said Lattuca. "I have witnessed firsthand how our graduates approach challenges with integrity, empathy, and a strong sense of community."
Lattuca noted that while enrolled at St. Clair College, students took the initiative to organize community outreach events, bridging the gap between law enforcement and residents through various volunteer opportunities.
"Their commitment not only highlighted their readiness for a career in policing but also reinforced the importance of safety and trust within our communities," Lattuca said.
St. Clair College congratulates the new officers and wishes them all the best as they continue the tradition of proudly serving and protecting the community.
"It is heartening to see how our graduates are not just prepared to serve; they are genuinely dedicated to making a positive impact and ensuring a safer environment for everyone," said Lattuca.
Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire, St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi, and Deputy Chief Karel DeGraaf stand together after a special badging ceremony in Windsor, Ont. on Oct. 16, 2024. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
