For the past 8 years, the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) has welcomed a new class of recruits into its Peace Officer Academy — a rigorous training program designed to prepare individuals for the responsibilities and challenges of serving our campus community. Over the course of several months, these recruits undergo intensive instruction in New York State law, defensive tactics, crisis response, community engagement, and much more.
For the 2025 Peace Officer Academy, we have welcomed the following recruits: Mariyah Byrd, Matthew Calley, Jesus Gorra, Megan Healey, Brennan Kreis and Misty Stephens. They are gaining the skills and experience that will shape them into effective and compassionate public safety professionals. We sat down with several of them to hear firsthand about their motivations for joining the academy, what the experience has been like so far, and what they’re looking forward to as they move toward graduation.
What inspired you to pursue a career in public safety?
Stephens: This has always been a career I’ve appreciated and respected. I’ve embraced every opportunity in the field of law enforcement leading up to this point. I’ve come to realize that if you want to make a true impact in life, you have to take risks and pursue what you’re genuinely called to do. As a parent, I’m especially driven to make a difference—not just for my own children, but for the students on campus as well.
Calley: This has been my dream career for as long as I can remember, or anyone in my family or friend group for that matter. To make it as short as possible, law enforcement is the only career in public service that actively patrols its community and looks for opportunities to help people.
Healey: I originally was pursuing a career in the legal field, until I was involved in a serious accident. The deputy who did the investigation, was so caring and kind to me I realized I wanted to be that person for somebody else on their worst day.
Why did you choose to join the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety?
Stephens: I’ve been with DPS for six years and have served as a CSO, Dispatcher, and CSO Supervisor. From the beginning, my goal was to become a PSO, and I never lost sight of that. I’ve had the opportunity to grow from the ground up—gaining a deep understanding of how the campus operates and getting to know the students we serve. Over the years, I’ve grown both personally and professionally, and it felt like the right time to take the next step and become the best version of myself by achieving the PSO role I set out for years ago.
Calley: The University is a very community-oriented agency which was a goal of mine to have in public safety.
What has surprised you most about the training so far?
Calley: How demanding PT is for sure, somehow the mental aspect is just 10x more draining physically.
Kreis: How badly out of shape I am in!
Gorra: How discipline everything was which has helped me also outside of the academy.
Byrd: The progressive training we are receiving daily surprised me. Everything we are being taught has great intent behind it. The overall DPS program is very detail oriented and tailored towards building recruits up.
What has been the most challenging part of the academy?
Stephens: Pushing through when you didn’t think you had anything left to give, but that satisfaction at the end knowing you didn’t give up and can do anything
Calley: Being class leader was definitely the biggest challenge; it was a lot of responsibility and gave me a lot to overcome which I set myself to. I think I came out alright after everything was said and done.
Gorra: Discipline has been the most challenging part which is something that I have struggled with but although it has been rewarding, it has thought me more about myself and to work harder towards goals and directions.
What has been your favorite part of the training so far?
Stephens: The bonds I have created with my fellow recruits.
Calley: So far, the class and working together with people who are so vastly different and likely would never interact with each other outside of this circumstance has been and exceptional experience.
Kreis: I have enjoyed meeting the other recruits and the instructors.
What skills have you gained or strengthened during the academy?
Stephens: Critical thinking skills and the confidence not only in the task but in myself.
Calley: I really gained an appreciation for basic marksmanship during firearms and got to expand my skills in driving during EVOC.
Gorra: My endurance from running has strengthened and I have learned new firearms skills and how to approach various situations.
Byrd: Accountability, integrity and officer safety.
Are there any lessons or values from the academy you’ll carry with you throughout your career?
Calley: Always be looking for an opportunity to help people, it’s something I joined this career for. The academy has only strengthened my concept of how and where to use this drive.
Byrd: Prioritize learning development, maintain fitness and building strong relationships within the community.
Healey: There has been an emphasis on a professional appearance, and professional demeanor throughout the entire academy. These values are critical parts of our daily careers being law enforcement officers, and it has now become second nature to us all.
What are you most looking forward to in the next half of the program?
Stephens: Looking forward to FTO and learning more hands on.
Calley: The scenario training and more roleplaying training is what I’m most looking forward to as the academy winds down. Just being given the opportunity to use what we’ve been learning for the past months.
Byrd: I’m looking forward to gaining field-training experience
Gorra: To learn as much as I can about the field, how to operate and apply the materials learned in the classroom to the job.
As the recruits enter the final few weeks of their training, they can look forward to learning more about what it takes to be a Peace Officer for DPS. The Peace Officer Academy not only equips them with the technical skills required for the job but also instills the values of integrity, empathy, and leadership that are essential to serving our campus community. We look forward to seeing these recruits take the next step in their careers!
