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SUNY Potsdam Law Enforcement Training Institute Graduates New Police Instructors

SUNY Potsdam Law Enforcement Training Institute Teams with Fort Drum Police to Offer Instructor Development Course

Potsdam, NY (03/16/2026) — The SUNY Potsdam Law Enforcement Training Institute, in conjunction with Fort Drum Police Master Instructors Morgan Cady and Rob Derouin, recently concluded a two-week Instructor Development Course for regional law enforcement officers.

The intensive training program prepares experienced officers to return to their respective agencies as certified instructors, while some will also join the SUNY Potsdam Law Enforcement Training Institute's police academy instructional cadre.

Upon completion of the program, the following officers earned their New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Office of Public Safety - Municipal Police Training Council State Instructor Certification:

  • Joshua Belile - Massena Police Department
  • Joshua Collette - SUNY Potsdam University Police
  • Robert Cunningham - St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
  • Audrey Emerson - NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Ranger
  • Josiah Fifield - Ogdensburg Police Department
  • Brendan Flanagan - Potsdam Police Department
  • Perry Hungerford - Malone Police Department
  • Grant Lebeau - St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
  • Keegan Muldowney - Potsdam Police Department
  • Mike Muller - Franklin County Sheriff's Department
  • Robert Nolan - Ogdensburg Police Department
  • Donovan Patraw - SUNY Potsdam University Police
  • Blake Sharlow - SUNY Potsdam University Police
  • Tylar Thomas - St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department

Additionally, St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Leighton Filiatrault and Potsdam Village Police Department Lieutenant Corbin Gates-Schult achieved their Master Instructor Certifications, the highest level of instructor credentialing through DCJS.

SUNY Potsdam Law Enforcement Training Institute Director Sonny Duquette credited the collaboration with Fort Drum Police for the program's success.

"We couldn't have done this without the support of our partners from the Fort Drum Police. Their assistance throughout the entire two-week program allowed the institute to develop our own Master Instructors, who will carry on the work of certifying the next generation of police instructors," Duquette said. "Good police instructors produce good police officers, and that ultimately leads to stronger community policing. At the end of the day, it's about improving the quality of life in our communities and ensuring people have a safe and peaceful place to live and enjoy their lives."

The Instructor Development Course is designed to strengthen law enforcement training standards across the North Country by preparing officers to deliver high-quality instruction in police academies and in-service training programs throughout the region.

Learn more: SUNY Potsdam Law Enforcement Training Institute

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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SUNY Potsdam’s Law Enforcement Training Institute recently hosted an Instructor Development Course, in conjunction with Fort Drum Police.

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