The Windham Police Department welcomed a new police officer into its ranks this week.

Brandon Ladd, 21, graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy of Vassalboro last week. His badge was first pinned on at a ceremony on Friday, Dec. 15 at Thomas College in Waterville.

Lt. David DeGruchy said the department hired Ladd in August. Ladd, who is originally from Standish, earned an associate’s degree in applied science in law enforcement technology before the department hired him. DeGruchy described this as a general police training degree.

The Maine Criminal Justice Academy program Ladd completed was an 18-week course that included studying and training in first aid, firearms, emergency vehicle operation, first aid, crime scene processing, domestic violence and criminal and traffic law.

As well as town police departments, the 59 graduating officers are headed to serve in state, county and municipal ranks, including the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and the Maine Department of Marine Resources.

Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe and Second District Congressman Michael Michaud spoke at the ceremony last Friday morning. Graduates wore the dress uniforms of the departments they were accepted to.

Brandon Ladd