Upon this week’s announcement that John Braley of the Boothbay Harbor Police Department recently graduated from the Criminal Justice Academy on Nov. 27, BHPD Chief Bob Hasch said the following in an email to the newspaper:

“Congratulations to Officer John Braley on his recent graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro. This 18-week program is considered one of the best in the country. Officers live at the academy and participate in a very structured/intensive environment.

“Officer Braley ranked seventh in a class of 62 cadets and distinguished himself both academically and physically in the program.

“Officer Braley and his wife Makayla welcomed their second daughter while he was in the academy. We want to acknowledge Mrs. Braley’s patience and fortitude during this process.”