The Washington State College of Ohio is collaborating with various agencies on peace officer training. Back row: Washington County Commissioner Eddie Place and Colonel Brian Rhodes. Front row: County Commissioner James Booth, Sheriff Mark Warden, County Commissioner Charlie Schilling, WSCO President Dr. Sarah Parker, and WSCO Dean of Technology and Transfer Dr. Jona Rinard. (Photo provided)

The Police Officer Basic Academy program at Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) thrives through strong partnerships with local law enforcement.

Recently, local and state law enforcement leaders have collaborated with WSCO, providing key donations and engaging in planning sessions. These efforts have strengthened leadership support and positions the program for continued success.

In December, WSCO had the honor of hosting Tom Quinlan, Executive Director of OPOTC/OPOTA, alongside leaders from local agencies, to discuss recruitment, training, and the unique challenges of rural law enforcement. Quinlan committed to supporting the development of future officers and continuing education for those already in the field.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of Executive Director Quinlan, Chief (Michael) Stump, Chief (Katie) Warden, Col. (Brian) Rhodes, and all the local agencies that help us create pathways for our students,” said Dr. Jona Rinard, Dean of Technology and Transfer. “These collaborations are essential to enhancing our student learning experiences and for providing direct employment opportunities within our community.”

WSCO’s POBA program has earned a strong reputation for its effectiveness, with many graduates receiving job offers from local agencies before completing the program, Rinard said. The academy’s high standards were further demonstrated last spring when cadets achieved an outstanding 100% pass rate on both the Physical Fitness and OPOTA exams.

The Washington State College of Ohio is collaborating with various agencies on peace officer training. Back row: Captain Aaron Nedeff, Major Kevin Carr, Colonel Brian Rhodes, Commander Scott Trussell, WSCO Dean of Transfer Dr. Micah Covert, and Davis Powers, WCSO. Front Row: Chief Michael Stump of Belpre, Marietta City Chief of Police Katie Warden, OPOTA Executive Director Thomas Quinlan, WSCO Dean of Technology and Transfer Dr. Jona Rinard and OPOTA representative Robert Strausbaugh. (Photo provided)

Cadets train using hands-on methods that mirror real-world law enforcement experiences, including state-of-the-art shooter simulations, tactical training, and precision driving. To enhance these training opportunities, the program recently received two cruiser donations–one from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and another from the Belpre Police Department–allowing cadets to develop essential driving skills using the same vehicles deployed in the field.

Stump, chief of the Belpre Police Department, who serves on WSCO’s Criminal Justice Advisory Board, shared, “We are proud to support WSCO and its mission to train future law enforcement officers. These donations are a way to ensure they have the tools needed to succeed in their careers.”

As the program continues to grow, WSCO remains committed to strengthening collaborations with local law enforcement agencies, ensuring cadets are well-equipped for careers in public safety.

“We’re excited to continue building these strong partnerships that create opportunities for our students and support our mission to train the next generation of law enforcement professionals,” Rinard added.

For more information about the POBA program and how to apply visit wsco.edu/criminal-justice-poba.

From left are WSCO President Dr. Sarah Parker, WSCO Dean of Technology and Transfer Dr. Jona Rinard, and Belpre Police Department Chief Michael Stump. (Photo provided)