All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Fairmont State University’s Police Academy welcomes inaugural class of police cadets

Fairmont State University’s Police Academy welcomed the first ever class of police cadets on Monday, January 16. 19 cadets from 12 different state agencies arrived on campus to begin their 16-week journey towards becoming certified West Virginia law enforcement officers.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Police Academy Director Jeffrey McCormick. “Years of preparation have gone into creating this academy. The idea came about in 2016 and now we’re finally here welcoming our first class of cadets.”

The residential program prepares the cadets for their future in law enforcement by training them physically, providing courses in criminal law and procedure, teaching them basic and advanced policing procedures, indoctrinating vital skills that improve the relationships between police officers and their community and more.

“So much work has gone into creating the academy,” said McCormick. “I was working in Charleston when I heard about Fairmont State starting their own police academy and I knew I wanted to get involved. I wanted to use my background with local police and the FBI to assist in training the next generation of law enforcement.”

The academy is open to degree seeking and non-degree seeking students who are interested in becoming a certified law enforcement officer in the state of West Virginia. In addition to being “job ready” for hire by municipal police and county sheriff’s departments as well as a variety of other State agencies with law enforcement responsibilities, graduates will be excellently prepared for graduate study in Criminal Justice or related fields.

Learn more about the Fairmont State Police Academy by visiting www.fairmontstate.edu/policeacademy.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.