The adage “It takes a village” has evolved to also serve as an apt metaphor for the collaborative effort required to train and develop law enforcement officers.
This philosophy is exemplified by the Basic Peace Officer Certification academy at Canadian Valley Technology Center, where the strength of community and shared commitment converge to prepare officers for the complex demands of modern policing.
In celebration of the collaborative efforts, the El Reno and Yukon police chiefs were selected to accept the 2025 Partners in Progress award on behalf of the dozens of law enforcement officials who contribute training expertise for the BPOC academy cadets. Partners in Progress awards are presented annually by the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education to honor business and industry partners who work closely to promote technology center education.
The idea for CV Tech’s police academy was proposed nearly three years ago by two local police chiefs. Chiefs Ken Brown, of El Reno, and John Corn, of Yukon, informed CV Tech Superintendent Dr. Gayla Lutts about a dire need for required law enforcement training close by.
Agencies had been spending several thousand dollars for each officer to receive training, hotel accommodations and food at a police academy several counties away. They asked Lutts if the school would partner with area agencies to provide affordable training within reasonable driving distance to officers’ homes.
CLEET requirements include traffic stop procedures, firearms training, vehicle safety, interpersonal skills and ethics. Instructors at CV Tech’s academy share from years of experience with cadets. The quality and dedication of the instructors makes a significant impact, said CV Tech BPOC instructor Theresa Bunn.
“The participation of these agencies is not merely logistical — it is a testament to their investment in the profession,” she said. “Their contributions are essential to the success of each BPOC cohort, and they underscore a broader commitment to excellence in the field.”
The recently concluded fifth BPOC class at CV Tech’s El Reno Campus was a model of interagency collaboration. An impressive total of 128 different county and state agencies contributed instructors to the program.
In every sense, it truly does take a village—and the law enforcement community surrounding CV Tech continues to exemplify what that village can achieve when united by a common goal.
