PARK HILLS – A Ste. Genevieve man was one of 12 students who completed the 1,000 Hour Basic Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) program at Mineral Area College Thursday.
Justin Eldridge was graduated along with 11 classmates: Derek Bainbridge, Park Hills; Ryan Bowyer, Ironton; Justin Eldridge, Ste. Genevieve; Eric Erchien, Bonne Terre; Tara Helferstay, Ellington; Renee Lemons, Festus; McKenzee Moore, Desloge; Chase Prusia, Irondale; Matthew Reever, Doe Run; Kyle Short, Jr., Farmington; Jonathon Thompson, De Soto; Samuel Wiese, St. Louis
MAC Law Enforcement Academy Class 21-104, clockwise from bottom left: Tara Helferstay, Ryan Bowyer, Jonathon Thompson, Sam Wiese, Chase Prusia, Renee Lemons, Instructor Jason Fitzwater, Administrative Assistant Casey Blumenstock, Academy Director Doug Ruess, Eric Erchien, Derek Bainbridge, Kyle Short Jr., McKenzee Moore, Justin Eldridge, Matthew Reever.
Since 1994, Mineral Area College Law Enforcement Academy (MACLEA) has provided regional law enforcement training to students interested in achieving a career as a peace officer. Recruits are prepared mentally, physically, ethically, and with proficient skills to perform the police duties at a high level of competency. Throughout the 1000-hour program, students participate in classroom instruction, intense physical training, and live training exercises.
MACLEA is recognized by POST as an accredited training program and consistently attains a 100% employment rate after graduation. Applications are being accepted now for the next class, which begins in August. For more information, visit www.MineralArea.edu or call 573-518-2148.