WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A graduation ceremony was held for the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Holyoke Police Academy’s 4th Recruit Officer Class on Friday.

The event was held at Westfield State University, where 44 police officers graduated following over 20 weeks of intensive law enforcement training. These officers will now be able to serve full-time, representing 22 police agencies throughout the state.

The members of the graduating class took their oath and received their badges for service. Through the Recruit Officer Course at the academy, these student officers received over 800 hours of course curriculum, including de-escalation training, uniform training, victim-centered and trauma-informed incident response, missing persons investigations, and patrol duties.

“The MPTC is committed to developing highly trained, professional, and community-focused police officers who are prepared to meet the evolving challenges of modern policing,” said MPTC Executive Director Colonel Rick Rathbun. “These graduates have demonstrated dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to service. As they embark on their careers, we are confident that the cutting-edge standardized training they have received has equipped them with the skills and knowledge needed to uphold the highest standards of public safety.”