(Pictured L-R: Officer Suto, Chief Pirnat, Officer Shockley, Officer Snipes, Officer Gresens, Officer Chahal, Major Grigsby, Officer Glass)
Leesburg, VA (December 11, 2023) – Today, six new Leesburg Police Officers graduated from the 149th Session of the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy’s (NVCJTA) Basic Law Enforcement School. The NVCJTA, which is a nationally accredited law enforcement training academy, provides basic training for police officers and deputy sheriffs in compliance with the standards required by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Officers Dilpinder Chahal, Wesley Glass, Sarah Gresens, Connor Shockley, Trenton Snipes, and Joseph Suto successfully completed more than 700 hours of basic law enforcement training during the 20-week program, which covers a multitude of topics through a combination of lecture and practical exercises. Furthermore, we commend Officer Joseph Suto for being awarded his session’s Law Enforcement Award for Academic Excellence.
“Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your career,” advised Leesburg Police Chief Thea Pirnat. “As you embark on this journey, know that your sacrifices and efforts make a profound impact on the lives of those you serve. Stay vigilant, compassionate, and true to the principles that led you to this honorable profession.”
We are additionally excited to recognize the graduation of Leesburg Police Officer Joseph Suto and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Officer Dalton Vogel. Officers Suto and Vogel both previously participated in the Leesburg Police Explorer Program and the Leesburg Police Cadet Program for many years. The two later attended college together and were college roommates. Both remained committed to their studies and to their focus of becoming a police officer in Northern Virginia, and we congratulate them today for having reached that goal together!
The graduation ceremony was held at Christian Fellowship Church in Ashburn. Participating agencies of the NVCJTA include Arlington County Police Department, Arlington County Sheriff’s Office, City of Alexandria Police Department, City of Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, Fairfax City Police Department, Falls Church Police Department, Falls Church Sheriff’s Office, George Mason University Police Department, Leesburg Police Department, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, City of Manassas Police Department, Manassas Park Police Department, Middleburg Police Department, Metro Transit Police Department, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police, Northern Virginia Community College Police Department, and the Town of Purcellville Police Department. On behalf of the men and women of Leesburg Police, congratulations to all of the Session 149 graduates!
Our new officers will now be placed in a structured 12-week field training program with seasoned field training officers. Upon successful completion of the field training program, they will each be certified for solo patrol. Please welcome our newest officers as you see them around town!
Community members aged 14-20 who are interested in learning more about our Public Safety Cadet Program can do so at www.leesburgva.gov/cadet. Those aged 20 or older who are interested in exploring exciting career opportunities or joining our team can do so at www.BeLPD.com.
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(Pictured L-R: NVCJTA Executive Director Brown, Chief Pirnat, Officer Suto)
(Pictured: LPD Officer Suto and MWAA Officer Vogel both as LPD Explorers and today at graduation)
Media Contact:
Officer Michael Drogin, Public Information Officer
Email: mdrogin@leesburgva.gov, 703-771-4538
