The 31st class of the Warwick Citizens Police Academy had the distinction of hearing from Col. Stephen McCartney at graduation ceremonies Thursday, Dec. 20 at police headquarters.

McCartney, who would retire less than 24 hours later after having served as Warwick chief for nearly 20 years, remarked on how police work has changed during his 45-year law enforcement career. He said police work has not simply evolved but been a revolution and now, more than ever, police rely on the public’s understanding of the challenges they face and the jobs they must do. Speaking of police, he said, “If the public is mad at you, you’re in trouble.” He said the aim of the academy is for the public to comprehend the complexity of police work and it is his hope with that understanding police will have their support.

Officer Daniel Maggiacomo, who runs the 12-week academy, joined McCartney in presenting certificates to those completing the program that introduces participants to police work. Included in the introduction participants ride with officers on patrol, drive a police cruiser at the test course at Quonset as well as fire pistols at the range.

The following received completion certificates: Stephanie Teran, Lisa M. Bettencourt, Mamie M. Morris, Ebenezer K. Amoah, Robert Maher III, Felicia A. Gardella, Heather M. Wolfenden, April M. Wolfenden, Anne E. Diffily, Emily E. LeBlanc, Kara E. Cravin, Jennifer A. Baptista, Jill Petrarca, Mary-Ann McCurry, Alexis L. Pollack, Michelle L. Sahagian, Shannon M. Gallagher, Lucy M. Harlowe, Becky L. Franco, Amy E. Stratton, Daniel Gillis, Alex Nadiger and Eric Brewster.