LPD Officer McFarland graduates

At a ceremony last Friday afternoon, the Montana Law Enforcement Academy graduated 56 new officers who will serve various agencies across the state. Among them was Joshua McFarland of the Laurel Police Department.

The Academy is operated by the Montana Department of Justice; it provides basic and advanced training for state, county, city and tribal law enforcement officers throughout the state. The ceremony took place

at MLEA’s gymnasium, and included remarks from Attorney General Tim Fox, MLEA Administrator Glen Stinar, and class representative Cody Carriger of the Billings Police Department. Montana Supreme Court Justice Laurie McKinnon administered the oath of office.

In his remarks, Fox urged the new officers to give back to their communities, to seek help when needed, and to keep their lives balanced. “Work hard, but don’t let your work dominate your life,” Attorney General Tim Fox said. “You will see and experience some extremely difficult things throughout your career, but balance and moderation are the keys to moving forward and maintaining healthy relationships with family, friends, and neighbors,” Fox added.