Police Academy

Police Academy 40

Members of first Atlantic Police Academy Class celebrate 40^th Reunion

Ryan Quigley

Journal Pioneer

For most classes, a 40-year reunion would be a very special event. But for the Atlantic Police Academy’s first ever class, it’s just another get together with old friends.

20 years ago the class had their first successful reunion. They all had so much fun exchanging stories of the path life had taken them on and the good times they had in the historic class, they decided once every 20-years wasn’t enough.

Since then the class has reunited every five years to renew their friendships. This year RCMP veteran Mark Finniss will be hosting at his home in Summerside.

The 40^th reunion won’t be any bigger then the rest.

“It’s just going to be a little gathering, just a typical Maritime house party,” said Finniss.

Not all 15 members will be at the reunion this year, some of which extend all the way out to Vancouver, B.C., but Finniss said they’re usual well attended.

“It’s always special when we get together. Is this one any different from the last? Probably not. We all just keep saying we don’t know if we’re going to be here for the next one or not.”

For the 40^th reunion, the members donated 15 Blue Cadet Hostas plants to the academy to be planted outside the building.

Time passed fast for Mayor Basil Stewart, one of the classmates and former police officer in the Summerside Police Service. He said he couldn’t believe 40 years have passed already.

“I’m still trying to figure out where the 40 years have gone,” he said. “There’ll probably be a few gray hairs and I know with myself a couple of chins,” he laughed.

As fast as it has went for some of the classmates, it’s also been a long time. Finniss said their former instructor, Mack MacDonald knows of only their class that has a reunion every five years.

“It’s a great way to keep in together. You have to remember when we started off it was all new and we were kind of guinea pigs,” he said. “I think when you look back and take a look at the numbers that have gone through the establishment today? I think we must have done something right.”

Stewart agreed being the first class with such a small class size helped grow a bond between the students.

“I remember (MacDonald) saying, ‘If this police academy is going to work it’ll be up to you guys, you 15 cadets,’” he said. “I always think back to what he said and everybody did their best at the time.”

Like a lot students in college or university, Finniss was living without his parents for the first time. His favourite thing from that first year?

“The friendships that were made that year were the most important thing,” he said. “It’s the same type of memories you would get the first year you would go to university. You meet new people, make new friends, experience new things.”