Andy's Police Academy Graduation

On June 15th my brother Andy graduated from the Oakland Police Academy. He's been an Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy for a few years already, working at the Oakland Co Jail in Pontiac. So he went through the police training for that position already. This graduation now qualifies him to be able to go out "on the road" in a patrol car as soon as he is promoted to that level - a position that has always been his goal.

Micah and I were thankful to have the opportunity to attend the graduation ceremony, along with some other family members, that Friday afternoon. It was great to see how his hard work had paid off and to see him achieve this goal he has had since high school.

It was neat to see Andy walk across the stage, shake everyone's hand and receive that diploma.

But the most meaningful time of the afternoon came when our Grandpa Moldenhauer, a long-time chaplain for the police, fire department, and underwater dive team in North Tonawanda, NY, was able to pin the badge on Andy. Andy is named after our Grandpa (they both have the "A.W." initials) and they share this deep appreciation for law enforcement.

Seeing the graduating class take their oath was also valuable - to recognize the sacrifice that these men and women are willing to offer for their fellow citizens. The judge who swore them in reminded them that they were taking this oath to protect their mothers, their children, their grandparents - and she referenced our grandpa's participation in the ceremony.

Afterward, we got some family photos and the kids (Micah and his cousin Calla) enjoyed playing with Great-Grandpa Moldy. Then we went back to our parents' house for a pizza party (in true North Tonawanda style - complete with the "imported" dip Aunt Mousey brought along). My talented sister-in-law Heather provided the dessert, a homemade squad car cake, complete with working headlights!