The Reading Police Academy’s first graduating Class of 2026 crossed the stage after completing six months of demanding training.
The thirty-six former cadets, now officers, join a profession that state Attorney General David W. Sunday Jr. said requires not only courage, but integrity, collaboration and compassion.
Sunday, the keynote speaker at Friday’s ceremony, told the graduates that they are entering one of the most challenging and rewarding forms of public service.
“There will be days when you leave work knowing that you made a real difference in someone’s life,” he said. “There will also be days that will absolutely test you.”
The ceremony at Redner’s Event Center at FirstEnergy Stadium marked the academy’s first commencement of its 50th anniversary year.
The class began 26 weeks ago with 42 recruits, underscoring the rigorous standards required to complete the program.
Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday Jr. addresses the 50th anniversary Reading Police Academy graduating class in the Redner’s Event Center at FirstEnergy Stadium on Friday, June 26, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Diplomas were awarded to eight new officers joining the Reading Police Department along with recruits representing 14 additional municipal and school district law enforcement agencies in Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, Schuylkill and York counties.
The Reading graduates are Officers Sean M. Cranney, Monserrat Jimenez, Vivian Loren-Theresa Luna, Luke S. McClure, Brandon A. Pena-Dominguez, Casey A. Quirion, Steven Silvestre and Brandon A. Wissinger.
The graduating class also included one pre-service cadet, Nicholas Borglum, who self-financed his academy training and is scheduled to begin his career with the Reading police in July.
Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday Jr., second from right, talks with from left Reading Police Chief Javier Ortiz, Reading Mayor Eddie Moran, Reading Managing Director Jack R. Gombach and Berks County Sheriff Mandy Miller prior to the 50th anniversary Reading Police Academy graduating class ceremony in the Redner’s Event Center at FirstEnergy Stadium on Friday, June 26, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
The new officers, Sunday said, will be called upon to make difficult decisions, comfort people on the worst days of their lives and shoulder responsibilities few citizens ever experience.
“The badge you will wear is much more than a symbol of authority,” Sunday said. “It is an absolute symbol of trust. That trust is earned every single day through your actions, your character and your commitment to serve others.”
Communities, he said, will depend on the new officers to make sound decisions under pressure, remain calm during crises, and exercise their authority fairly and professionally.
The attorney general also emphasized the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and state officials, describing public safety as a shared responsibility.
“Collaboration isn’t a noun,” he said, quoting Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. “Collaboration is a verb.”
The graduating class marches to their seats during the 50th anniversary Reading Police Academy graduating class ceremony in the Redner’s Event Center at FirstEnergy Stadium on Friday, June 26, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Sunday also urged the new officers to remain grounded throughout their careers, encouraging them to lean on family, faith and friends while remembering to care for themselves.
“You cannot pour from an empty cup,” he said, noting that maintaining physical and mental well-being is essential for a long career in law enforcement.
Academy Director Lt. Melville Fegley said the graduates completed 919 hours of instruction that included physical fitness, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, tactical medicine, firearms training and 25 academic examinations requiring a minimum score of 80% to graduate.
“This was not an easy six months for you, but you made it,” Fegley told the class.
The ceremony also recognized several graduates for outstanding performance.
Reading graduate Casey A. Quirion received the Officer Michael Wise Memorial Award for academic achievement, while fellow Reading graduate Steven Silvestre earned the Deputy Kyle Pagerly Memorial Award for physical conditioning. Kevin Borishkevich of the Manheim Township Police Department received the Officer Scott Wertz Memorial Award for excellence in firearms.
Member of the 50th anniversary Reading Police Academy graduating class stand united after a final class roll call in the Redner’s Event Center at FirstEnergy Stadium on Friday, June 26, 2026. (MICHELLE LYNCH/READING EAGLE)
Fegley also thanked the departments that entrusted the academy with preparing their future officers.
“We know that we hold the future of your police department,” he said. “That’s something we value and treasure. We make sure that they get the best of us, so that you get the best as well.”
Reading Mayor Eddie Moran, a former police officer with New York City’s MTA Bridges and Tunnels, congratulated the graduates for choosing a profession centered on service.
“You’ve been tested physically, mentally and professionally,” Moran said, “and you’re standing here because you passed through it all.”
He told the Reading graduates that they are joining a department he believes is among the region’s best.
Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday Jr. addresses the 50th anniversary Reading Police Academy graduating class in the Redner’s Event Center at FirstEnergy Stadium on Friday, June 26, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
He also reminded the entire class that policing is ultimately about earning public confidence.
“Being a police officer is about how you treat people, how you show up in the difficult moments, and how you earn trust in the community,” Moran said. “That’s what will define your career.”
The program that started with the presentation of colors by members of the Reading Police Youth Academy ended with a final roll call as each new officer answered “here” one last time as a member of the class.