Graduates of CFK’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy #87 and Correctional Officer Training Academy #60 are joined by Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay and Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg at the graduation ceremony for the two academies on November 9 at the Tennessee Williams Theater on the College’s Key West Campus. (Photo courtesy of Monroe County Sheriff’s Office) KEY WEST, FL, November 13, 2023— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK)’s Institute for Public Safety (IPS) held a graduation ceremony for two academies on November 9 at the Key West Campus. A total of 15 cadets—12 in a basic law enforcement academy and three in a correctional officer academy—successfully completed their respective training program. Upon passing the state certification exam, each will be eligible to become Florida Law Enforcement Officers or Correctional Officers.
Through partnerships with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Key West Police Department, all graduates have already secured employment. During the ceremony, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay swore in nine cadets and Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg swore in six cadets, inducting them into their new professions. Cathy Torres, CFK Director of IPS, recognized top performing graduates with special accolades. Leadership awards were given to class presidents Kesha Bernabe and Michael Beerbower. James Aurelio, III and Beerbower were recognized for their academic achievement and “Top Gun” shooting skills. Alyson Burns and Aurelio received Physical Fitness awards. “PIG” awards, which recognize pride, integrity, and guts, went to Yoniel Esquirol and James Simpson. CFK’s law enforcement officer and correctional officer programs satisfy the training requirements of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. CFK is currently accepting applications for two upcoming basic law enforcement academies. Applications are due on December 15 for an academy to be held at the Key West Campus, starting in January 2024 and ending in October 2024. The College is also accepting applications for an academy that will run from May 2024 to March 2025 at the Upper Keys Center. For more information about CFK’s Institute for Public Safety, visit the College’s website at https://www.cfk.edu/academics/academic-departments/institute-for-public-safety/.
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KEY WEST, FL, November 7, 2023— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) celebrated the graduation of Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) Academy #85 with a ceremony on November 3 at Coral Shores High School’s auditorium. Ten cadets successfully completed the 770-hour training program, which was held at CFK’s Upper Keys Center in Key Largo. Upon passing the state certification exam, each will be eligible to become a Florida Law Enforcement Officer.
Cathy Torres, Director of CFK’s Institute for Public Safety, recognized top performing graduates with special accolades. Class Captain Anthony Penton Delgado earned awards for leadership, academics, and “top gun” shooting skills. The “PIG” award, which recognizes pride, integrity, and guts, went to Odalmis Hernandez Netro. Physical fitness awards were given to Gissell Benitez and Alfredo Trujillo. CFK’s law enforcement officer program satisfies the training requirements of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. CFK is currently accepting applications for two upcoming basic law enforcement academies. Applications are due on December 15 for an academy to be held at the Key West Campus, starting in January 2024 and ending in October 2024. The College is also accepting applications for an academy that will run from May 2024 to March 2025 at the Upper Keys Center. For more information about CFK’s Institute for Public Safety, visit the College’s website at https://www.cfk.edu/academics/academic-departments/institute-for-public-safety/. KEY WEST, FL, November 6, 2023— The College of the Florida Keys honored veterans as part of its festivities on Community Day on Saturday, November 4 at the Key West Campus. CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra delivered his annual Salute to Veterans, honoring Danyle Gray, U.S. Army veteran, U.S. Army Reservist, CFK alumnus, CFK instructor, and Key West Police Officer.
CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra’s 2023 Salute to Veterans: “This Veterans Day, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that our service members bear for all Americans and for the principles of democracy. I salute all veterans as well as current servicemen and women, including my son Julius, who is serving in the Navy. I express my sincerest thanks to them and their families for their dedication and commitment, and for their continued service to protecting our freedom wherever they are deployed. Our heroes continue to serve in a variety of ways that benefit our communities. The Florida Keys and the College have indeed benefitted from the contributions of many veterans over the years. Each one deserves special recognition. Today, I salute one veteran in the CFK family: Danyle Gray, U.S. Army veteran, U.S. Army Reservist, CFK alumnus, CFK instructor, and Key West Police Officer. Gray dreamed of becoming a police officer since she was a teenager in her home state of California. She was inspired by the officers she waited on at the diner where she worked—viewing them as valuable leaders in the community with exciting jobs. Upon her high school graduation, Gray decided to pursue her dream via the U.S. Army. She became a military police officer, providing law and order on military bases and alongside troops on the home front and abroad. Her eight years of service spanned multiple duty stations and assignments around the world, including time in Korea, Kuwait, Iraq, and Japan. Upon completion of her service, Gray moved to Key West to attend school for massage therapy. She fell in love with Key West, but not the new line of work. Realizing that she wanted to continue her law enforcement career, she joined the Key West Police Department (KWPD) in 2003 and KWPD sponsored her enrollment in a Basic Law Enforcement at CFK. Over the years, her various KWPD roles have included Recruiter, Background Investigator, Community Affairs and Training Team member. Since 2005, Gray has contributed her experience back to the next crop of cadets as an instructor for CFK’s Institute for Public Safety. As a High Liabilities instructor, Gray is qualified to teach any topic covered in the academies. While Gray was enjoying her civilian career in the Keys, she missed the camaraderie, travel, and training that she experienced in the military. She decided to join the U.S. Army Reserves in 2007. Assigned to SOUTHCOM in Doral as an Anti-Terrorism Officer, she participates in Reserves training quarterly and is deployed on missions as needed. Just like those impressionable officers who frequented the diner of her youth, Gray spends a lot of time out in the community—building relationships and goodwill between law enforcement and people. She attends as many local events as possible— spanning from parades and fundraisers to children’s activities and civic organization meetings. She contributes her time and skills to the Police Athletic League, KWPD LOVE Fund, and the Military Affairs Committee. And when she is not serving our community or country, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt. It is with great honor that on this Veterans Day 2023, The College of the Florida Keys and I salute U.S. Army Veteran and Reservist Danyle Gray. She exemplifies the vast talent, dedication, and selflessness of the U.S. military. Thank you for your continuous service to our country, state, and community. May your achievements, sacrifice, and generosity serve as an inspiration for all.” Students with intellectual disabilities and parents invited to learn more about unique program at virtual event KEY WEST, FL, November 2, 2023—The College of the Florida Keys invites prospective students and their parents to learn more about its Project ACCESS program at a virtual information session on Tuesday, November 14 at 5:30 p.m. Project ACCESS is an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. The personalized program includes academics, social activities, employment experience, and independent living. Students can participate in Project ACCESS at CFK’s Key West Campus or Upper Keys Center in Key Largo.
CFK offers an array of support for students in Project ACCESS including academic and peer mentors, success coaches, and academic advisors. Project ACCESS is a federally- approved Comprehensive Transition Program, meaning eligible students may receive Pell grants and apply to participate in work-study programs. Additionally, the College was awarded enhancement grants through the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities in 2017, 2020, and 2023 and is an approved Florida Post-Secondary Comprehensive Transition Program. Because of this funding, eligible students are awarded a $7,000 scholarship annually to offset tuition, fees, housing, and other costs. Attendees of the virtual information session on November 14 will receive a code to waive the $30 application fee. Registration for the event is required. Visit the College’s website at CFK.edu/ProjectACCESS to learn more and to register. For more information, contact Nicole Gerrard, CFK Associate Dean of Student Success Services, via email at ProjectACCESS1@cfk.edu or phone at 305-809-3262. KEY WEST, FL, October 23, 2023— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites all to its ninth annual Community Day on Saturday, November 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the Key West Campus. The free, family-friendly event will feature a full slate of attractions—including CFK academic showcases, interactive exhibits, live performances, a bounce house and other children's activities, arts and crafts, vendors, music, free food and drinks, and free T-shirts. As tradition, CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra will lead a salute to veterans and military service members.
CFK’s Community Day is supported by sponsors First Horizon Bank, Waste Management, Lisa Ferringo Group Coldwell Bank Schmitt Real Estate, Yamaha, Essential Net Solutions, Florida Keys Media, the Keys Citizen, and the Key West Weekly. For more information about Community Day, call CFK at 305-809-3198. KEY WEST, FL, October 13, 2023—The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites prospective students to learn about its Apprenticeships in Construction Technologies at a virtual information session on Tuesday, October 24 at 5:30 p.m. CFK is offering Plumbing and HVAC programs in Key West and the Upper Keys this upcoming spring semester, which begins January 5. The deadline to apply is November 1.
The virtual information session will help prospective students learn about the trade professions, career outlooks, and CFK’s tuition-free “earn while you learn” programs. Attendees will receive a code to waive the $30 application fee. Registration for the event is required. Visit the College’s website at CFK.edu/apprenticeships to learn more and to register. To schedule a personal information session, contact Marissa Owens, CFK Director of Recruitment, at recruiter@cfk.edu or call 305-809-3207. About CFK’s Apprenticeships in Construction Technologies: CFK’s Apprenticeships in Construction Technologies offer opportunities to help individuals train and advance in high-wage, high-demand construction careers throughout the Florida Keys. In collaboration with local construction businesses, CFK’s apprenticeship programs provide education and training in all aspects of the respective trades—from conceptual to practical skills. Through its “learn while you earn” model, students are employed (and paid) full-time with a sponsoring employer that is partnered with CFK. They attend classes, which are tuition-free, while developing their skills through on-the-job training with their sponsor. As apprentice students advance through the program, their progress is rewarded with periodic wage increases. Upon successful program completion, an apprentice will be considered a “journey worker” and will receive a four-level certification by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) as well as a nationally recognized Completion of Apprenticeship certificate by the State of Florida. KEY WEST, FL, October 4, 2023—The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites the community to attend its CFK Poetics event on October 12 at 6 p.m. at the Tennessee Willliams Theatre on the Key West Campus. The annual visiting poets activity will feature a live reading from acclaimed poet James Davis May. He will read some of his works and take questions from the audience. The event is free for all attendees.
The featured poet, May, is the author of two poetry collections, both published by Louisiana State University Press. Unquiet Things was released in 2016 and Unusually Grand Ideas was released in 2023. His poems and essays have appeared in 32 Poems, The Georgia Review, Literary Hub, New England Review, The Southern Review, The Sun, and other journals. May has received fellowships from the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Sewanee Writers’ Conference. Originally from Pittsburgh, he now lives in Macon, Georgia, where he directs the creative writing program at Mercer University. CFK Poetics is a series that aims to develop awareness of and immersion in the humanities landscape by connecting students and the community with poetry on the national level in a way that is immediate to their own experiences. Since 2019, visiting poets have come to CFK or appeared virtually to share their work and have conversations with the student body as well as the community at large. Formerly featured poets include B.H. Fairchild, Chelsea Rathburn, Richard Blanco, and Ross Gay. Monroe County high school students can earn FREE college credit KEY WEST, FL, September 22, 2023—The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) will hold a virtual event for Monroe County high school students and their parents/ guardians to learn more about its Dual Enrollment opportunities on Thursday, October 5 at 5:30 p.m. Through Dual Enrollment, high school students can simultaneously earn college and high school credits at no cost to the student. The program provides a head start to college for students while potentially saving families thousands of dollars. At the virtual event, CFK will discuss the benefits of taking Dual Enrollment classes, requirements to participate, and the application process. Interested students and parents can sign up for the event and learn more about the Dual Enrollment program by visiting the College’s website at CFK.edu/DE. For more information, contact Marissa Owens, Director of Recruitment, at marissa.owens@cfk.edu. Students can quickly earn credits starting in October KEY WEST, FL, September 11, 2023— The College of the Florida Keys is offering a “Mini-mester” condensed term within the fall semester, also known as “Fall B.” The eight-week courses run October 13 through December 8. The term provides another entry point for new students to get a head start before the spring term as well as an opportunity for current students to accelerate their progression within the fall semester.
Opportunities available in the “Mini-mester” include general education courses, applicable to many degrees, as well as courses specific to the business, marine engineering, diving, hospitality, renewable energy, culinary, or emergency medical programs. Prospective students can also apply to start in CFK bachelor’s degrees in Nursing, Supervision and Management, Exceptional Student Education, or Marine Resource Management in the “Mini-mester.” Most courses meet virtually, some are held on the Key West Campus or Upper Keys Center, and some offer a mix of virtual and in-person coursework. For more information about the “Mini-mester,” visit the College’s website at cfk.edu/fall-mini-mester or contact Marissa Owens, CFK Director of Recruitment, at recruiter@cfk.edu or call 305-809-3207. Associate degree level courses:
KEY WEST, FL, September 6, 2023— The College of the Florida Keys’ invites the community to celebrate the birthday of the United States Government at its annual Constitution Day event on Thursday, September 14 at 11:00 a.m. in the library on the Key West Campus. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, thus laying the foundation of our government, rights, and freedoms. This year's event will focus on voting systems and the elections process. Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin will present on the topic and share updates on the new methods of voting.
The College’s Constitution Day activities aim to educate the public on their rights under the Constitutional Amendments and encourage habits of being a good citizen. Attendees will receive Pocket Constitutions and learn how to register to vote with the help of representatives from the League of Women Voters. The event is free and open to the public. Those who cannot attend in person, can watch it live on CFK’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys/. |
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