Two years later, SVCC Police Academy soaring

DIXON – With the close of 2024, we are honored to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Sauk Valley Community College Police Academy.

In just two short years, we are proud to have graduated six community law enforcement officer classes. In 2025, we will surpass 200 graduates.

Like everything else in the Sauk Valley, this achievement was not accomplished alone. It was made possible through community collaboration and partnerships. In 2021, after recognizing the urgent need to address challenges in accessing academy training and recruiting local officers, representatives from SVCC and regional law enforcement agencies began advocating for the establishment of the eighth police academy in Illinois.

Before the SVCC academy was created, the nearest police academy was two or more hours away, posing significant barriers for regional law enforcement agencies. By working closely with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, local agencies and our elected officials, the academy received approval in 2022.

Thanks to additional partnerships with Northridge Properties, located near our campus, we secured the required housing for all officers. As part of the intensive four-month program, officers live and train together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that enhances their preparation for service.

The academy is fortunate to have outstanding local law enforcement and legal professionals serving as instructors. Each training officer specializes in teaching their topics, including criminal law, community policing, defensive tactics, emergency driving, firearms, mental health and numerous other topics.

In total, officers train for 640 hours over the course of the four months. In total, 172 officers have completed the academy and serve 60 law enforcement agencies.

From those graduates, several accolades have been received in two years, including officer of the year, a medal of valor and six lifesaving awards. The academy’s assistant director, Rebecca Flynn, demonstrates exceptional leadership and serves as an outstanding role model for our female officers, whose presence is crucial for advancing the field and better serving our communities.

Community policing is the academy’s philosophy. What does this mean? Community policing is a law enforcement strategy that emphasizes building strong, collaborative relationships between police officers and the communities they serve. The goal is to create a safer environment by fostering trust, mutual respect and shared responsibility for public safety. Throughout the Sauk Valley, community policing is widely practiced, with departments and officers creating multiple initiatives, such as Shop with a Cop, Cops and Bobbers, and Clothes for Kids.

This past year, we honored the life and career of Lt. Harry Ulferts of the Dixon Police Department, who gave so much to our community, our college and our students. Many of us knew Harry through his various professions and contributions. Although we lost Harry in 2012, his spirit lives on through us.

It was Ulferts’ vision that the Sauk Valley would become a training hub for law enforcement, and we are proud to dedicate the Sauk Valley Police Academy in his honor. Officer, educator and friend: Ulferts exemplified these roles and so much more.

As Ulferts always said, “The harder the challenge, the sweeter the victory.” We believe he would view this achievement as nothing less than “outstanding,” his favorite response when asked how he was doing or how he felt about someone else’s accomplishment.

At SVCC, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the many partners who made this vision possible and the men and women who serve and protect our communities every day.

Thank you.

We look forward to the continued growth of the academy in 2025 and an even greater focus on SVCC’s mission to engage the community in public service.

• Jon Mandrell is Sauk Valley Community College’s vice president of academics and student services.
• Jason LaMendola is director of the Sauk Valley Community College Police Academy.