Tom Dowling
(863) 297-1051

Ceremony Marks New Name of PCC's Criminal Justice Academy

A special ceremony was held on Jan. 31, 2002 to mark the change of Polk Community College's Criminal Justice Academy to the Kenneth C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety.

Representatives from many local police agencies attended the event. Ray Newman, Director of the Public Safety Institute, Tom Wheeler, Haines City Police Chief and others participated in the ceremonies.

Also on hand was the family of the late Kenneth C. Thompson, former Mayor and Police Chief of Haines City. In addition to recognizing Mr. Thompson, the name change notes an expanded role of the training that will be conducted by the program. Fire safety now will be included along with law enforcement and corrections.

The special ceremonies concluded with the unveiling of the new Institute of Public Safety logo and a mural that was painted by Bob Morrissey's art class.

Click here for more information on the Institute of Public Safety.