Learning how to protect and serve: NIC Basic Patrol Academy graduates 16 students

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Bradley Noesen, left, and classmates, look on after graduating from North Idaho College’s Basic Patrol Academy on Thursday Dec. 8 at the Lake Coeur d’Alene Room in the Edminster Student Union Building on NIC’s main campus in Coeur d’Alene.

Getting tased, pepper sprayed, swimming through freezing water and running in high temperatures are not typical class activities. These experiences are just a small part of what North Idaho College students endure in the 16-week NIC Basic Patrol Academy.

NIC held a graduation ceremony for 16 students of the academy on Thursday at the Lake Coeur d’Alene Room in the Edminster Student Union Build on NIC’s main campus in Coeur d’Alene. All but two of the graduates are employed with local law enforcement agencies.

“You’re about to enter into one of the most challenging and rewarding professions there is,” NIC President Nick Swayne said. “As patrol officers, you may be asked to rescue cats and chase bank robbers, maybe on the same shift. You have the power to make a person’s day, and in some cases, ruin a person’s day, sometimes in the same incident.”

The ceremony featured speakers from law enforcement and NIC including Swayne, Basic Patrol Academy Coordinator Jeremy Hyle, Coeur d’Alene Police Department Chief Lee White, Idaho State Police Chaplin Sara Garrison and NIC Basic Patrol Academy Class President Michael Allen.

“To my wife and daughter, and all the spouses, family members, boyfriends, girlfriends and friends. Please know that we could not have done it without you,” Allen said. “I know that we came home on several occasions stressed out, not ourselves, but your support and words of encouragement helped to make it through.”

The NIC Basic Patrol Academy is designed in a police academy format and accredited by the Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training Council. Class meets five days a week and eight hours per day. Much like other college programs, students of all ages and backgrounds find and work toward something they’re passionate about.

“I was doing automotive work, and working on my own vehicles, and went home and didn’t want to work on vehicles anymore,” Anthony Ghirarduzzi, 35, said. “I saw stuff on the news of people getting hurt and DUIs and whatnot and it just kind of sparked something in me. I just happened to come across a flyer for [the Basic Patrol Academy] and started applying.”

Approximately 45 law enforcement experts teach more than 60 topics, sharing knowledge with students through skills training and scenario-based training in the classroom and the field.

“I learned that I could do a lot more than I thought I could,” Ghirarduzzi said.

North Idaho College offers three levels of certification in law enforcement a basic technical certificate, which is awarded upon completion of the Basic Patrol Academy, an intermediate technical certificate and an associate of applied science degree.

For more information, contact Law Enforcement Administrative Assistant Abby Owens at Abigail.Owens@nic.edu or (208) 665-4522.

Jacob Elliott, right, receives an award from Coeur d’Alene Police Department Sgt. Jared Reneau during the North Idaho College Basic Patrol Academy’s graduation on Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Lake Coeur d’Alene Room in the Edminster Student Union Building on NIC’s main campus in Coeur d’Alene.