By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Wayne County Regional Police Training Academy (WCRPTA) graduate Thomas Stinson is following his father’s lead into a career in public safety. He hit the ground running with his exceptional performance in the academy, being honored with the Richard R. Weiler Scholarship Award at graduation.

Stinson graduated from the Schoolcraft College police academy on Nov. 13, 2025 with a 3.9 GPA, earning second place in Emergency Vehicle Operations. He was chosen for the Weiler Scholarship Award from among four non-agency-sponsored recruits in a graduating class of 45.

“He was the top candidate from the group of the four non-sponsored recruits,” said WCRPTA Director Erik Tilli.

The $500 Richard R. Weiler Scholarship Award, which is sponsored by the Police Officers Labor Council (POLC), is given twice yearly at the discretion of the police academy to graduates who have not been sponsored by any police agency. Qualifying cadets must pass the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification test and meet MCOLES employment standards to become certified Michigan Law Enforcement Officers.

After the 5 p.m. graduation ceremony, Stinson didn’t waste any time stepping into his first role in law enforcement. “I was officially sworn in yesterday after the ceremony, so I have a job now with the Livonia Police Department,” he said. “My first day is on Monday (Nov. 17).” 

The 22-year-old graduated from Macomb Community College with a General Studies associate degree in May 2025, prior to enrolling in the police academy. 

“I was inspired by my father, who is in public service,” Stinson said of his decision to pursue a law enforcement career. 

His father, West Bloomfield Fire Lt. Curt Stinson, has been with the department for 24 years. Previously, his dad served as a Paramedic with Detroit EMS for 7 years. 

“I’m someone who likes talking to people, so I thought I’d be better doing police work,” Thomas Stinson said. “I wanted to do a job that was different every day and where I would do something to make a difference every day.”

Receiving the Richard R. Weiler Scholarship Award will help him get started in his career.

“I’m very thankful for the Labor Council,” he said. “They do a lot, obviously, to dedicate their funds to the future of law enforcement, and it was a great honor to know I was the one chosen to get that. It’s going to financially support me if there’s anything in equipment I need to buy. I didn’t even know I was going to get it until the ceremony. It was a good surprise.”

Stinson expressed his support of the work the Police Officers Labor Council does representing members. “I believe in labor unions,” he said. “They work for people who work for a living.” 

It was a whirlwind weekend for the newly hired Livonia Police Officer, who lauded his academy experience.

“I was really grateful for the decades of combined experience from the teachers. They all have a different perspective to offer, and you receive a great education from Schoolcraft academy,” Stinson said. “I’m really thankful that I was chosen (for the Weiler Award) and I am really looking forward to starting my career in law enforcement. The future is bright!”