As the wife of a retired Wheeling police officer, Councilwoman Gloria Delbrugge thought she had a pretty good idea of what the men and women assigned to protect the city's streets face on a nightly basis.
After completing the police department's third Civilian Police Academy, however, Delbrugge now knows there is far more involved with police work than she originally believed.
"All council members and the mayor (Andy McKenzie) should take this class," Delbrugge said during the Monday graduation ceremony at Generations Restaurant and Pub. "You might think you know what it is like, but you really don't until you take this class."
Delbrugge said it also was interesting to see how Police Chief Robert Matheny and other commanding officers have to spend money to keep up with the latest technology.
"As council members, we sometimes wonder why the police department needs this or that. The things they need today are not cheap," she said.
Police Sgt. Phil Redford, who organizes the police academies, said the department plans to hold another academy session in March.
"Our department is committed to fostering a better relationship with the community, and we believe this is a very good way to do that," he said.
City Manager Robert Herron served as the guest speaker for the Monday event. In addition to Delbrugge, those finishing the course Monday included Mark Ackermann, Kathy McDanial, Nancy Morris, Edna Brafchak, Patty Bozik, Missy Werner, Niki Matalik, Jim Roset, Zachary Cooper, Robert Reed Sr., Bob Oglinsky, Jim Forbes, Tom Miller, Bobby Briggs, Mary Jane Atkins, Martin Imbroscio and Beckie Bier.