Saturday, December 11, 1999

New officers eager to start

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Police graduates' next stop: streets

BY PERRY BROTHERS
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati Police Division recruit class stand at attentuion during national anthem. (Glenn Hartong photos) | ZOOM |

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        He didn't really want his son to do it, but after the police academy graduation ceremony Sgt. Jim Hill fought back tears of pride and concern.

        Officer Christopher Hill, 22, was one of 56 recruits who became Cincinnati Police officers Friday at the Cincinnati Masonic Center downtown. A crowd of about 250 watched as the recruits were sworn in after a rigorous 22-week training program.

        Speaker after speaker reminded the new officers of sacrifices and integrity the job requires. And, the danger they will face on every shift.

        Sgt. Hill, a 30-year veteran who works in District 2, is all too familiar with the risks. That's why he tried to steer his son away from police work.

        “I tried to get him into every other field. It's a tough job. You worry about your children,” he said after the ceremony. “I'm very proud, but I'm also scared because I know the dangers.”

Officer Spencer Henderson II hugs his son Spencer after the graduation ceremony. | ZOOM |

        Christopher Hill said he has wanted to follow his father into the force since he was a child.

        Once a young boy called Jim Hill his hero on a call-in radio program after Sgt. Hill — then a beat officer — caught the boy playing in an

        abandoned building and talked to him about the dangers of being there.

        Sgt. Hill's son heard the program, and on Friday the new officer had to stop the story several times to keep his tears from falling.

        “I was extremely proud,” Officer Hill said. “It kind of made me think that someday I could go out and have someone say that about me.”

        During the ceremony, City Manager John Shirey asked the recruits to do just that.

        “There are thousands and thousands of young people living in this city that frankly don't have role models,” Mr. Shirey said. “When they see those uniforms and those badges, you become role models to them.”

        Chief Thomas H. Streicher Jr. said the division's best resources are the people it hires.

        He asked the recruits to be fair on the job.

        “Treat people like you want to be treated, that's the true secret of being a good police officer,” Chief Streicher said.

        Mayor Charlie Luken, Assistant Safety Director Rod Prince and Fraternal Order of Police president Keith Fangman were among the other city and police officials who spoke at the graduation.

        As the newly sworn officers hugged family and friends after the ceremony, many said they look forward to getting out on the streets. The officers' partners will be field training officers for the next phase of their policing education.

        Carl Blackwell Jr. said he's not nervous about the daunting responsibility he faces as a police officer.

        “This is something you have to want to do,” Officer Blackwell said.

        His classmate Cynthia Alexander — known to her classmates as a 5-foot inspirational powerhouse — admitted she was a little nervous.

        She received one of four motivation awards. Academy Director Ted Schoch said Officer Alexander and the other recipients habitually encouraged other recruits who were struggling through that last push-up or sweating the last mile of a run.

        “I think anybody would be nervous. I'm not afraid. I just want to do the best job I can,” Officer Alexander said. “And, it's not about size, it's what's up here,” she added, pointing to her head, “that counts.”

       

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