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Eighty-six police officers graduated from the Westchester County Police Academy last week, joining 18 law enforcement agencies in the county and two in Putnam. The graduates were celebrated on Dec. 21 at a massive ceremony at SUNY Purchase.
Of those 86 graduates, six - Randy Bakay, Michael Basciano, Agron Biberaj, Michael DiSante, Christopher Oliva and Ami Postiglione - have been assigned to protect Harrison after 20 weeks of academic, physical and firearms training.
With their training complete, the six officers will be assigned to patrol duties with veteran Harrison Police Field Training Officers for several weeks. Once that additional training is complete, they will begin patrol duties on their own.
“These officers entered the Police Academy as recruits in August and they graduate as police officers,” Harrison Police Chief Joseph Yasinski, who was on hand to present the diplomas to his new officers.
“This is a proud day for them, their families and our department. I welcome them to the Harrison Police Department family and look forward to the service they will provide to our department and community.”
According to police officials, during their training, “the officers were challenged every day in the classroom, on the drill floor and the firing range,” Yasinski noted. The curriculum included training on criminal procedure law, penal code, firearms and tactics, counter-terrorism, use of force, physical fitness, ethics, interviewing techniques, motor vehicle accident investigation and narcotics enforcement.
“The demands on police officers are increasing all the time,” Yasinski added. “From counter-terrorism to active shooter incidents, these officers have the training they need to keep the community safe.”
“Congratulations to these officers for successfully completing the Westchester County Police Academy,” Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont said in a statement. “I wish them long, safe and successful careers with the Harrison Police Department as they protect and serve the people of our town.”
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