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SUNY Potsdam Law Enforcement Training Institute Recognizes Spring Graduates

Cohort of Police & Peace Officers Graduate from SUNY Potsdam's Law Enforcement Training Institute, Alongside Pre-Employment Student Cadets

Potsdam, NY (06/10/2026) — The SUNY Potsdam Law Enforcement Training Institute proudly celebrated the graduation of its Basic Police and Peace Officer Training program during a ceremony held on June 5 in Knowles Hall.

The ceremony marked the culmination of five months of rigorous training that began in early January. Throughout the academy, recruits received instruction from 71 specialty topic instructors representing federal, state, county, city and village law enforcement agencies. More than 200 family members, friends and law enforcement professionals gathered to recognize the graduates on their final day of training.

The graduating class included six locally hired municipal police officers, one probation officer, and four pre-employment college students. Two of the pre-employment students were hired by law enforcement agencies during the academy and completed their training while continuing their college education. All graduates of the program successfully earned their New York State police training certifications. The newly hired officers will now begin intensive field training programs with their respective agencies.

Graduates include:

  • Officer Gavin M. Benson, St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department
  • Recruit Josue O. Escobar, Pre-Employment (Port Washington, N.Y.)
  • Recruit Cole P. Fayette, Pre-Employment (Potsdam, N.Y.)
  • Officer Alexis M. Fefee, Franklin County Probation Department
  • Deputy Nicholas P. Gregg, St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department
  • Officer Olivia M. Huntley, Norwood-Norfolk Police Departments
  • Officer Garrett B. Hutchins, Saranac Lake Village Police Department
  • Officer Ethan M. Lavare, Saranac Lake Village Police Department
  • Deputy Hunter M. Murphy, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department
  • Deputy Nicholas P. Phelan, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department
  • Deputy Cael H. Woodcock, St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department

The SUNY Potsdam Law Enforcement Training Institute remains committed to developing the next generation of public safety professionals through high-quality, comprehensive training programs that prepare recruits for successful careers in law enforcement and community service.

The next Police/Officer Academy cohort begins Jan. 18, 2027, and will include police officers, peace officers and pre-employment SUNY Potsdam students. Applications for the academy can be submitted at www.potsdam.edu/leti.

As a New York State-accredited police academy, SUNY Potsdam's Law Enforcement Training Institute offers in-service training for agencies throughout St. Lawrence County using top-of-the-line simulators, simulation tools, and facilities designed to improve decision-making skills through reality-based training. The academy offers instruction in defensive tactics, emergency medical services, emergency vehicle operation, applying field sobriety tests, processing crime scenes and a plethora of other training topics.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

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Media Attachments

Graduates of the Spring 2026 police academy at SUNY Potsdam's Law Enforcement Training Institute gather for a photo.

Graduates of the Spring 2026 class at SUNY Potsdam’s Law Enforcement Training Institute gathered for a photo at their graduation ceremony. They included: Front row (from left): SUNY Potsdam University Police Chief Shane Ashley, Josue Escobar of Port Washington (Class of 2027), Franklin County Probation Officer Alexis Fefee, Norwood-Norfolk Police Officer Olivia Huntley, Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Phelan, St. Regis Tribal Mohawk Police Officer Gavin Benson, Saranac Lake Police Officer Garrett Hutchins, Police Academy Director Sonny Duquette, St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Deputy Cael Woodcock, St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Gregg, Saranac Lake Police Officer Ethan Lavare, Cole Fayette of Potsdam and Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy Hunter Murphy.

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