police academy

Former La Porte High School students who are currently serving as police officers are pictured with Sgt. Mike Kellems at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. From left are Chris Yates, Adam Hannon, Kellems, Drake Sterling, Andrew McIntyre and Jon Burger. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

By Sgt. Mike Kellems

   In the past I’ve written stories for WNLP about the importance of mentoring and my belief in the duty of providing a positive example for the youth of our community. On Friday, July 9, I had the privilege of attending a ceremony at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy for the 188th Graduating Class.

   At this ceremony, LaPorte High School alum Drake Sterling graduated before starting his duties with the Zionsville, IN, Police Department. I had come to know Drake through my work at LaPorte High School. As I made arrangements to attend his academy graduation, I starting think about the students with whom I had worked over the years who had spent time riding patrol with me and seeking advice about becoming a police officer.

   I had already felt a sense of accomplishment as a counselor/instructor at the annual Indiana Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Camp as I watched former campers return years later as police officers. Friday’s graduation was yet another source of personal pride.

   Even better, it turned out to be a reunion of sorts as five LaPorte High School alumni, all of whom had spent time “riding shotgun” in my police car over the years, attended the graduation and took the time to pose for the group photo you see above.

   Adam Hannon and Jon Burger are both patrol deputies at the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department. Andrew McIntyre is a patrolman for the Valparaiso Police Department. Chris Yates is a patrol deputy for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. Ironically, Doug Carter, another former Slicer, is the sheriff of Hamilton County.

   During our mini-reunion we had the time to share some war stories and add a few more to the collection. It was interesting to listen to the guys talk about their struggles and successes in police work. Some of their talk echoed the same things I faced “back in the day” when I was a young patrolman — a little surprising since it’s been 21 years since I walked the halls of the academy as a student. I suppose the saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same” rings true.

   I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach others about law enforcement and then see these young men become police officers and prosper in their profession. The citizens of Hamilton County, LaPorte County, Vaparaiso and Zionsville are fortunate to have these police officers serving and protecting their citizens.

   On a related note, Drake wasn’t the only former Slicer to graduate the academy July 9. Dusty King, who serves with the Michigan City Police Department, and Troy Webb, who works for the St. Joseph County Police Department, also graduated with the 188th Academy Class.

MIKE KELLEMS is a sergeant with the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office and the school resource officer at LaPorte High School.