3 local officers graduate from state police academy

Police departments around the Lakes Region are bolstering their forces and celebrating the successful graduation of recent new hires from the 203rd New Hampshire Police Academy.

During the ceremony, held Aug. 21, in Concord, dozens of graduates earned their credentials. In Belmont, two new officers with the department are recent graduates.

“We are incredibly proud to announce the graduation of Officer Sara Walsh and Officer Hayden Parent from the 203rd New Hampshire Police Academy. With their graduation, both are now certified police officers in the State of New Hampshire,” wrote Belmont Police Capt. Evan Boulanger. “Both Officer Walsh and Officer Parent put in countless hours, early mornings, late nights, and a tremendous amount of hard work to reach this milestone. More importantly, both have demonstrated a deep commitment to the community and to the people they have chosen to serve.”

Passing the academy is no easy feat, involving employment with a New Hampshire police department prior to attending, the completion of a physical fitness test — a 1.5-mile run, and a series of sit-ups and push-ups — as well as handling the rigor of the 16-week course load and training.

Belmont, which has set about recruiting officers with intention for longevity’s sake and commitment to community, hired Walsh and Parent knowing their contributions to the town would be tenfold.

“Law enforcement offers many different paths, and when we are screening candidates, we are intentional about seeking out individuals who are community-minded. We believe that having officers who lead with empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others allows us to build meaningful relationships and, in turn, fosters the trust and support that is so important between a police department and the community it serves,” Boulanger wrote. “Officer Walsh and Officer Parent exemplify that philosophy and our mission.”

Each Belmont officer had varying levels of experience when joining the department.

“Officer Walsh completed much of her field training prior to attending the academy and will soon transition into the shadow phase of her training. Officer Parent has a few more weeks of field training remaining before he is released to solo patrol,” Boulanger wrote. “We are excited to see both of them continue to grow and become familiar faces throughout the Belmont community.”

Belmont Police held a celebration with employees, friends, family and members of the community. It was extra special for Parent, whose uncle is Gilford Police Chief Dustin Parent, who presented his nephew with his police certification onstage.

“We are extremely proud of both Officer Walsh and Officer Parent and look forward to the impact they will have on Belmont for years to come,” Boulanger wrote.

Nearby, in Gilford, police celebrated Officer Ely Hefner’s successful completion of the academy.

“Congratulations to Officer Ely Hefner and the entire 203rd class of the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Academy on their graduation today,” the department posted on Facebook.

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.