Graduated the Academy

[TEJ1956]

To All: (A New Post)

8 weeks have come and gone. I graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy yesterday, 21 June 2002. It seemed like a long 2 months but I am here to tell you that every minute was worth it. I learned so much about being a law enforcement officer I can't wait to get out and start my FTO program.

At 46 I survived, lost weight and I am in the best shape of my life. The only thing I can say to anyone about it is don't ever give up on yourself. The satisfaction and personal gratification that you receive when they call your name and present you your certificates is worth every ache, pain, long duty days and long, late study hours.

The only sad note about the whole experience was that my department, Clarksville, TN PD, lost two officers in the line of duty while I was at the academy. The true nature of this profession was thrust home to all. Officer David Scott had been an officer since 1995 and was the FTO for Officer Yamil Baez-Santiago who had graduated from the academy two days before I started. They were killed when they crashed while on a high speed case of a armed robbery suspect. May they rest in peace.

To everyone who reads this and is interested please feel free to ask any questions about the academy and being a 46 year old recruit. I may not answer immediately but I learned alot from this site just reading other emails and I will be more than willing to reply to all.

To T. COTE hey I made it.

Best of luck to all

TEJ

[Charlie]

TEJ1956--Congrats! And thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us all.

Best of luck to you. Be safe and watch your back out there!

Charlie

[JimCMR]

Hey TEJ;

My congrats to you, especially at your age. I was 44 when I went through a 5 week program at the Illinois State Police Academy, and I had an easy course, and it was still rough for a bunch of old guys.

I'm retired now, but like to think I could still do it, but I know better.

So, my best to you on your new career, and my sympathies to the families of the lost officers.

Good luck, keep us posted. JimCMR

[ShawnNC]

TEJ,

First off, I would like to congratulate you on your completion of the academy. I am 34 and a little concerned. I start the academy in Sept. The one I am going to will be last 6 months. At first I thought the 6 months was a bad thing, but the more I read and think about it, it is best to learn all you can before hitting the streets.
I have been a silent observer for the most part here on this board.
Is it true the first week is called "hell week"? I have heard some horror stories about 10 mile runs It is probably a good thing to hear the bad things, I have been running 4 miles a day to try and prepare for that part.

Also, if you have any “dos" or "don'ts" I would appreciate it. Any good stories would be interesting also

Sorry to hear about the 2 Officers that were lost in TN. That has got to be at the backs of all leo's mind. When I was accepted into the academy, I told my son's and the 5 year old said. "Be careful because sometimes when you tell the bad guys to stop, they pull out a gun and kill you." That made me re-think everything, but I talked to my kids and they are happy, but a little nervous. It amazes me how these small kids today know so much....
I was clueless at 5. My wife thinks I still am. ;D



Thanks,
Shawn

[CA Cop]

I graduated not that long ago from a 6+ month academy. To be honest with you, it was a very hard 6 months, but well worth it. My academy had something similar to the "hell week" you were talking about. It was very stressfull, but it was done mostly as a "gut check". They wanted to see who wasn't going to quit and who was going to put the most effort in. It wasn't necessarily about who was in the best shape. So my advice is: Don't worry about a hell week, just give it 110% effort the whole time and you'll be ok. (Preparing yourself physically couldn't hurt though)

[T.COTE]

TEJ
Allllll right!!! It is always good to see people set their sights on a goal and knock it dead. You should be very proud of yourself and an inspiration to alot of people. I am currently a reserve officer for a local tourist town. I hope to be going to the academy as soon as possible. I will be certinly calling on you for answers to my questions.

Best of luck with everything and keep me posted!


T.COTE