The Lead.

Fourteen cadets have graduated from the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Academy (OPOTA) at Marion Technical College, completing the rigorous training required to serve as law enforcement officers across the state.

Family members, friends, and academy staff gathered to celebrate the graduates’ accomplishments following months of classroom instruction, physical training, and scenario-based exercises designed to prepare them for the demands of modern policing.

The academy is certified through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and provides more than 700 hours of instruction. Cadets receive training in criminal law, patrol procedures, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, and community relations.

“This milestone represents countless hours of hard work, discipline, and commitment,” said Commander Greg Perry. “These graduates are prepared to serve their communities with professionalism and integrity.”

The 2026 Academy Graduates

The graduates include:

Kolton Adkins, Gavin Barnes, Austen Bauder, Ethan Burton, Isaiah Collins, Carly Downer, Evan Foreman, Gretchen Keller, Eric Long, Bartosz Mroz, Cory McIntire, Eric Tanner, Garrett Warner, and Derek Weiser.

Downer, Tanner, Warner, and Weiser are veterans.

High Performance on State Certification

Perry noted that while a score of 70 percent is required to pass the state certification exam, the class averaged 88 percent. Half the class exceeded 90 percent. Four graduates scored 94 percent or higher, earning them an honors graduate distinction.

Instructor of the Year Recognized

Lt. Mark Elliott of the Marion Police Department received the Instructor of the Year award. He also helped present the certificates to these graduates.

“It is an honor to teach with Commander Perry and the other great instructors at the academy. I'm proud to be part of training these new officers.  This was a great class, and I know each one of them will accomplish great things in their careers,” Elliott said.

College officials praised the cadets for their perseverance and dedication throughout the academy.

Graduates Begin Careers

Graduates are now eligible to seek employment with law enforcement agencies throughout Ohio upon successful completion of state certification requirements. Downer, the class speaker, is already working as a deputy with Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office.

Perry Praised for Leadership and Legacy

Greg Perry is the director of Law and Criminal Justice at Marion Tech and the OPOTA commander. This award-winning instructor has 20 years in law enforcement as a prosecutor, detective, and deputy sheriff. Associate Dean Mike White praised Perry for his long career, which began 20 years ago as an adjunct instructor and eventually led to his appointment as the OPOTA program director. Perry will retire in June.

“For 13 years, Commander Perry has been the kind of commander who never stopped at ‘good enough.’ He consistently went beyond the required material, making sure every student had what they needed ... not just to pass, but to genuinely succeed in their careers,” White said. “For years, he gave his time and expertise to the community, teaching school and church safety with the same dedication he brought to Marion Tech. He didn’t do it for recognition; he did it because keeping people safe mattered to him.”

For more info

To learn about the next academy, make an appointment at or email enroll@mtc.edu.

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