A trifecta of milestones for the UVU Police Academy culminated with its first-ever alumni reunion. The event marked the academy’s 25th year, 50 graduation classes, and the opening of its new state-of-the-art home and training facilities at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi.
The Utah Valley University (UVU) Police Academy recently hosted its inaugural alumni reunion, celebrating three significant milestones: its 25th anniversary, the graduation of 50 sessions, and the opening of the program’s new home and state-of-the-art facilities at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi.
Since its inception the academy has trained hundreds of cadets, with over 50 percent of current police officers in Utah County being alumni. The event saw a strong turnout, with approximately 150 attendees, including alumni officers and their families. Attendees were given a tour of the new space, which features advanced practice rooms for defensive tactics and physical training, as well as modern classrooms.
The director of the Police Academy, John McCombs, observed, "This was a very successful event because it created a lot of chatter in the law enforcement community." The academy plans to hold similar events every other year to foster a sense of community and ongoing engagement among alumni.
A highlight of the reunion was the distribution of a collectible trading coin, commissioned to mark the special occasion. The coins were gratefully received, with many officers who were unable to attend later requesting one.
The reunion not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for future connections and collaborations within the law enforcement community. Additionally, it served as a farewell to the academy's former administrative assistant, Patrice Bolen, who retired after 11 years of exemplary service.
Alumni, friends, and family gathered to celebrate and reconnect at the inaugural UVU Police Academy reunion.
Commemorative coin given to attendees of the UVU Police Academy celebration of 25
years and 50 sessions.
