Gramoz Fazliu said he always wanted to serve his community and help people and after completing Pennsylvania’s Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Education and Training Program, he is ready to be part of the team at the Centre County Sheriff’s Office.
From Spring Mills, Fazliu was among 29 deputy sheriffs that graduated from the training program operated by the Penn State Justice and Safety Institute at a ceremony at the Ramada on Friday, May 17.
Centre County Sheriff Bryan Sampsel was on hand to see his newest deputy get his certificate. All sheriffs and deputy sheriffs from the state’s 67 counties must complete the Penn State-run academy before beginning active duty.
“I always wanted to be a deputy sheriff or a police officer to give back to my community and help as many people as I possibly could,” Fazliu said. “I was always drawn to law enforcement. People need you, and when you help someone, you feel good knowing you did the right thing.”
The 19-week sheriff’s academy, held on the campus of Penn State University, provides expertise in several law enforcement areas, including Pennsylvania crime codes and civil procedures, cultural diversity, ethics, firearms, first responder/first aid, defensive tactics, courtroom security and physical training.
Penn State JASI — an outreach service of Penn State — utilizes judges, attorneys and local, state and federal law enforcement officers to help deliver the training.
Fazliu said the structure of the program, including training sessions held in classrooms and the field, helped prepare him for all situations.
“The training was amazing. I learned a lot of things that I didn’t know and it prepared me for my future, my career,” said Fazliu. “It gave me a strong foundation that I will continue to build on as I work in law enforcement.”
The most recent graduates are the 56th class since 2000, when the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency selected Penn State JASI as the academy’s administrator.
