Seven new recruits were sworn into the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) Campus Peace Officer Academy on March 20 by Syracuse Police Department Chief Joseph L. Cecile. Collaborating with the Syracuse Police Department on the swearing-in ceremony serves as an official welcome and endorsement of the joint law enforcement efforts in the University area, and to provide these campus peace officers with the authority to enforce New York State law and local ordinances upon completion of the academy.
The recruits sworn into this academy class are:
- Mariyah Byrd
- Matthew Calley
- Jesus Gorra
- Brennan Kreis
- Jonathan Pizarro
- Misty Stephens
The individuals listed above are training to become Syracuse University campus peace officers. One additional recruit, Megan Healey is joining this peace officer academy and will be heading to Onondaga Community College upon completion.
“Starting at the academy is where the foundation of a great officer is built. It’s not just about learning the law—it’s about discipline, integrity and commitment to serving the community. Every recruit who walks through these doors has the potential to make a real difference. We are excited for them to start this journey, “said Sgt. Adam Wheeler, academy director.
This is now the ninth time that the Department of Public Safety has held its own peace officer academy.
During the academy, these recruits will be subject to technical, physical, classroom and field-based tests. Upon successful completion of the academy, graduates progress to field training with their respective field training officers for an additional 12 to 14 weeks.
Craig Stone, associate vice president and chief of the Department of Public Safety, addressed the friends and families of the recruits. “We are excited to welcome new members to our team who will assist us in keeping the campus community safe. We expect these new recruits to become leaders in the university community and strive to become great listeners, communicators and collaborative problem-solvers.”
The University’s Department of Public Safety provides around-the-clock protection to the Syracuse University campus. Through various patrol and crime prevention efforts, DPS partners with students, faculty and staff to identify, recognize and eliminate crime hazards and risks within the campus community.
The Department of Public Safety’s 2025 campus peace officer recruits. (Front row, left to right: Jesus Gorra, Misty Stephens, Mariyah Byrd and Megan Healey; back row, left to right: Brennan Kreis, Jonathan Pizarro and Matthew Calley)