Newly Sworn Cadets Immediately Laid Off

35 Comments

Newly sworn in Cleveland Police officers participate during in the 128th Police Academy graduation ceremony Friday, June 24, 2011, in Cleveland. [AP]

CLEVELAND – Amid tears and cheers, 42 police academy cadets joined the Cleveland force Friday and were immediately laid off as a one-month reprieve expired, underscoring shrinking municipal work forces as cities cope with declining revenues and less state and federal assistance.

The city and police union struck a deal in May to allow the cadets to remain in class and graduate as scheduled. The move gives them a better chance to find a job by doubling their certification to four years.

Newly sworn Patrolman Robert O’Brien felt the emotional pangs of the up-and-down day in the colonnaded rotunda of City Hall in Cleveland, the state’s second-largest city with nearly 400,000 residents.

“Mixed emotions, yes, but we all have faith,” he said. “A lot of it was touching for me. Just the fact that I graduated and I’m entering into a new family is very emotional to all of us, me in particular, but I know everyone as well.”

Officer Sabrina R. Choat wipes a tear away during the 128th Police Academy graduation ceremony Friday, June 24, 2011, in Cleveland.

O’Brien said he would look for a job “to keep myself occupied and in the mindset so I stay in this profession.”

The city laid off 321 employees, including 81 police officers. Cleveland officials blamed the layoffs on cuts to state aid.

States face combined budget shortfalls of nearly $140 billion next year, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a Washington think tank. And states will no longer be able to count on billions in aid from the federal government’s $800 billion stimulus that is set to dry up early next year.

Rookie John Hotz said he was determined to stay positive about his chances to land a police job in an improving economy.

“I’m happy, I’m content. When it comes back, we’ll be back,” he said.

Until a police job opens up, Hotz said he plans to work but didn’t specify what he will do.

U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott told the newly sworn officers that they will get a chance to make use of their academy training at some point.

“Know that your hard work will pay off,” he said.

City Council President Martin Sweeney told the new officers that he would work with the mayor and his council colleagues to get them hired back as soon as possible.

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matts123

almost 2 years ago

44 Comments

that has to really suck i would be mad if that happend to me i hope the best for all of the ones that got laid off and they get a job in lawa enforcement sometime soon
AHP3611

almost 2 years ago

316 Comments

That sucks its time for the veterans to turn in their retirement papers and move west and let the rookies beat the streets of Cleveland!!!
rjm2238

almost 2 years ago

38 Comments

Hey Folks,
The New Mexico State police routinely advertise for applicants. Try phoning or internet contact. Seems they are chronically short handed. I haven't personally checked but I live in New Mexico and there are bill boards on the highways and they are periodically advertising on local TV.
Hope it helps some of you all, plus NM is just a great place to live and raise a family. (But don't tell anybody!)
Rich in New Mexico.
sgtchump

almost 2 years ago

208 Comments

good luck.....stay true to your calling....never give up...
Twinker

almost 2 years ago

1794 Comments

Wow...I feel badly for them. Best of luck to all of them.
IowaNinersFan

almost 2 years ago

8182 Comments

Good luck to these officers. I hope they'll be able to find employment in the LE field elsewhere.
wiseass0282

almost 2 years ago

10988 Comments

Yes there are corrupt officers that need to go. And when they are discovered they are taken care of. And yes there are those who have maxed out but refuse togo because they don't know if they can cope with not being on the job. Or because being a Cop is all they know, or they can't get used to the idea of going from Officer, Sgt. Lt. Capt or what ever rank to being Mr. These are the ones who gain nothing by staying and hold up the slots for younger officer going up the ranks. Spencer you have made a good point.
SpencerStangz

almost 2 years ago

420 Comments

this is truly unfortunate for these officers...I pray that they can accomplish their dreams of being a LEO in the future
i think the max guy was saying that there are those who are corrupt or whatever and need to go so there is room for others...and also those who are way past their retirement dates but still working for various reasons...so i don't think "troll" at all
i also pray that people finally stop blaming our leaders for everything...however, if you're looking to politicians to make your life "better", you're already looking in the wrong "direction"
tremor2

almost 2 years ago

430 Comments

Can't blame the Prez on this one. This crash-cart economy has been a long time coming, and everyone knows it. It's just terrible to put those kids all the way through a police academy, only to lay them all off right after graduation. Hopefully many of them saved their pay, and will be able to find other jobs in the LE field elsewhere.
The state of Ohio has had a lousy economy for many years. This same old song is playing in all states, and in just about every major city I can think of; our economic chickens have come home to roost.
maverick823

almost 2 years ago

768 Comments

We lost 82 recruits 3 mionths ago. Some very bright and intelligent men and women. Sad testament to todays world we live in.
Good luck to all.
copper380

almost 2 years ago

2026 Comments

'The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.' - Ronald Reagan

'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.' - Ronald Reagan
copper380

almost 2 years ago

2026 Comments

Bump wiseass0282 and an AMEN

A quote from Paul Harvey - Policemen: "Buried under the frost is the fact: Less than one-half of one percent of policemen misfit the uniform. That's a better average than you'd find among clergy! "
wiseass0282

almost 2 years ago

10988 Comments

maxxoccupancy I have to agree that there are some, not many individuals serving in uniform who should not be. Then again there are one hell of a lot of people serving in office, our political leaders who should not be there either. As for the crack about some who are merely putting their time in for makd the next step toward their pension. Damn right, We risk our necks every day to serve the public. The pension is what will take care of us after our necks are no longer on the line. When you sign on, you sign on for the long haul with the reward of income from that pension until you die. You sir are a troll. and should not be on this sight. Anyone else agree ?
maxxoccupancy

almost 2 years ago

328 Comments

And to be totally blunt, these youngsters are another victim of the lack of accountability on many departments, which is the fault of elected officials like myself. There is no polite way of putting it. There are many individuals serving in uniform who should not be, and some who are merely putting their time in to make the next five year step in their pension.
maxxoccupancy

almost 2 years ago

328 Comments

@Robocop33: As much as I dislike Obama, I dont think that we can put all of the blame for this on one politician. These federal deficits got started long ago. Serving in local office myself, we have almost no control over our budgets. We have to deal with increasing federal and state mandates and declining federal and state funds. Many problems at the local level are simply the result of overspending, litigation, rising medical costs, mandates, and other decisions being made in D.C.