(Danville) — Eleven new Danville Police officers completed a special round of training this weekend.
The Department teamed up with Averett University and the Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness for a program called Grass Roots Empowerment and Action Training—or G.R.E.A.T.
It includes four weeks of classroom, workshop, and real-world training that helps officers understand the history and inherent needs of the Danville community. The eleven officers were honored at the G.R.E.A.T. Program graduation ceremony in the President’s Suite at Frank R. Campbell Stadium on the Averett north campus.
The class had two public service projects. The first was a room renovation at the Department of Social Services for children in the foster care program. They painted the room, added new furniture, toys, a television, and a gaming system.
The second project created new community gardens at New Ingram Heights Apartments and Pleasant View Apartments. They’re growing cucumber, squash, and mustard collard green seeds.
The graduates of this year’s program are: Officers Marlene E. Carlson, Chanston K. Cobbs, Kinsey A. Deering, Steven A. Dennis, Matthew P. Donegan-Cheney, Qadir J. Ferguson, Recardo R. Ford, Christopher M. Hodnett, Darius D. Hutchings, Hailey M. Sanchez, and Monica R. Sanchez.
Danville Police say several partners made both projects possible, including Lowe’s Home Improvement, Salvation Army, Averett University, PIP Printing, and The Home Depot.
(Photo courtesy Danville Police Department)