EMCC Criminal Justice Program

DEPUTY GOODWIN COMPLETES THE BLETP!

The wind is whipping. The rain is blowing. And one of EMCC CRJ's finest, Dep. Ashlee Goodwin, created some weather of her own today. She finished up the 18-week Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy, crossing that stage this morning.

In her time with us, student Ashlee Goodwin did everything that you could expect from someone focused on becoming an LEO. She became a CO at the end of her first semester, studied with resolve and purpose, and made the right decisions at almost every turn. Now that hard work has paid off as she looks to join the men and women of the Penobscot County SO. That uniform looks to be a good fit, Deputy.

Help us say CONGRATULATIONS to our newest alum in uniform! Stay safe and don't forget your CRJ family in the PSTC! We are beyond proud of you and this accomplishment.

EMCC CRJ: Exposure Experience. Excellence.

LOOK WHO GOT THEIR CRJ BANDANAS!

Charlotte the mini-horse, Criminal Justice Mascot, better watch out. These two are making a run for her title. Then again, Cash and Webster do have that look like someone might have to pay for the indignity of dressing them up for the internet.

Welcome to CRJ. Now there are five Haines family members in our club - Big Haines, Little Haines, Brother Haines, and Boss Haines and Boss Haines, Jr.

Happy Friday, everyone!

EMCC CRJ: Love. Our. Pets.

SO MANY STUDENTS, SO MANY SPOTLIGHTS!

OK, we have been waiting for this one. And so has Amanda. This young lady is Aryanna Turner. If you were at the parade on Saturday, you might have seen her riding a horse as part of the festivities. Turner also rode the bucking bronco that is CRJ 101 this semester. She got thrown a few times - who hasn't? - but got back in the saddle and kept going.

We hope Turner is looking forward to next semester. There will be three times as many chances to be feel challenged in Police Ops, Criminology, and Criminal Law. And CRJ 101 will look like pretty tame by comparison.

No matter, she's got this. We know it. Amanda knows it. And now that 101 is in the rear view, we think Turner knows it, too.

See you in the spring term!

EMCC CRJ: Exposure. Experience. Excellence.

THE HOME STRETCH HAS ARRIVED FOR SPOTLIGHTS!

As we near the end of term, there are just a few shout-outs remaining. Today we put our hands together to welcome Karamoko Sanogo. He is getting ready to close the book on CRJ 101 tomorrow after the final. And there is no doubt that Sanogo is looking forward to a new schedule in the spring. Before that - and Criminology - let's hear from the man himself about the semester that is now barreling to a close.

"My first semester in the criminal justice system has been an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of how laws, ethics, and justice shape society. I gained valuable knowledge about law enforcement and the importance of fairness in every decision."

We could not have put it better ourselves! Keep eyes on the prize, young man. It might be snowy this morning, but the academic sun is shining on you.

EMCC CRJ: Exposure. Experience. Excellence.

MORTON: IF HE CAN'T DO IT, NOBODY CAN!

You might remember the recipient of our latest first-year shout out. He was featured way back in early September for rocking a very cool, CRJ-approved t-shirt that read "Nobody Cares, Work Harder."

Meet Mike Morton. CRJ class leader. US Marine. And generally speaking, one of the people who kept us tracking this semester. From class discussion to community service, we could always count on Morton to get it done.

Wish him luck as he closes in on the end of CRJ 101 in...drum roll...three days. We know you've got this!

EMCC CRJ: Exposure. Experience. Excellence.

CRJ OUT IN FORCE FOR FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS!

If you have followed us for any length of time, you know that CRJ has supported the annual Festival of Lights parade nearly every year for the past decade. This year was no different, except that we broke our own record for volunteers. Over twenty of the program's finest were out performing traffic and pedestrian safety functions. Seven of those were assigned to Bangor PD to lend a hand. Enjoy a couple of photos of just a few of the crew.

BIG THANKS to the Bangor Rotary Club for always sending the invite and Chief Hathaway for always letting us get some exposure and experience! Of course, thank you to the best students in any CRJ program anywhere for always showing up!

EMCC CRJ: Exposure. Experience. Excellence.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON SPOTLIGHT!

In a week that included new leadership in CRJ, homemade cinnamon rolls, and some inspiring alumni updates, we are closing things out with another first-year spotlight. Today we tip the cap to Raven VanWormer. Raven wants to get the education and training to make way into the realm of forensic science. The semester has flown by in CRJ 101, so that goal is now closer than before.

Check out this pretty great quote from Raven, who may have had some doubts before leaving Culinary Arts (shout out to our pal Nathan!) for the challenge of Criminal Justice.

"The Criminal Justice course here at EMCC is so much better than I initially imagined. Even after thinking that I wouldn't be suited for this course at first, I know for certain now that CRJ is the place for me."

Keep forging onward, Raven. You and your peers are up against finals next week. We are confident that you can do it!

EMCC CRJ: Exposure. Experience. Excellence.

MEET THE NEW DEPUTY CRJ DEPARTMENT CHAIR!

Today was a great day for our program chair. He was visited by the Boothby family - Jacob, Elizabeth (C'25), and Kian. Two big things happened during their time on campus.

1. Prof. Kian was already trying out the big chair, so Plebani deputized him.
2. Plebani got a tray of homemade Boothby cinnamon rolls.

Thanks, Boothbys, for taking time to brighten up the PSTC this afternoon. Your kindness and generosity made a good day GREAT. And Plebani is very happy to have some help running CRJ!

EMCC CRJ: All. About. Family.

WE'RE GETTING THERE...ANOTHER FIRST-YEAR SPOTLIGHT!

It has been a good week for alumni updates. Now we turn our attention back to the group of students getting ready to move into their second semester in CRJ.

Today - and we know Eleanor and Mary have been waiting patiently but eagerly - let us introduce Tyler Scribner. He may look familiar to you. Very early this year, Tyler and another peer attended a law school Open House at UMAINE Law. He is still tracking to that goal. The good news is that he has every skill and ability to get their if he keeps eyes on the prize.

Next up? CRJ 101 Final Exam on 12/11. Everyone put your hands together and wish this young man good luck as he puts a bow on Fall 2025 and moves on in the Criminal Justice Curriculum.

EMCC CRJ: Exposure. Experience. Excellence.

CRJ ALUM JOINS HANCOCK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE!

The school closed early today due to the snowy weather. That might be reason enough for CRJ to celebrate. And then we got some late-breaking GOOD NEWS from alum Dylan Pung (C'25). He is officially a member of the Hancock County Sheriff's Office as of today. Dep. Pung will be headed to the MCJA for his stint in the BLEPT early in 2026.

Please help us in saying CONGRATS to one of our most recent CRJ success stories. Dep. Pung put in the time, did the work, and exemplified the type of team spirit that made him invaluable to our Criminal Justice family. On behalf of your peers (then and now) and the faculty, we are SO proud of you!

EMCC CRJ: Exposure. Experience. Excellence.

ALUMNI UPDATE FROM SPAIN!

We love when our graduates keep in touch. And some good news from the other side of the Atlantic made its way to CRJ last week. Alum Bosco Monforte (C'25) just finished up his certification with Civil Protection in his home country of Spain. He shared what that agency does and how he is now going to be continuing to help keep others safe in times of trouble.

"Civil Protection is a civilian relief agency that is tasked mainly with logistical support, but we also perform SAR, EMT, traffic control and disaster preparedness plans. It is the Spanish version of FEMA. Training consists of logistics, dispatching, firefighting, first aid, psychological support, vehicle maintenance and operation, triage and traffic control. The responsibilities my group shoulders are maintenance of fire hydrants and waterways, traffic control and EMS support on all municipal festivities, and ex*****on of evacuation plans on all public building in the area."

CONGRATS on earning this certification, Bosco! Your fellow alumni, current students, and faculty support your public safety efforts back home.

EMCC CRJ: Exposure. Experience. Excellence.

FINALLY...A CRJ HAT TRICK!

In two decades of teaching, Prof. Plebani has seen quite a few family members show up in classes. Children of former students, uncles and their nephews, and a handful of siblings - we're looking at you, Carrier brothers and Harvey twins. But for the first time, he gets to teach THREE of the Haines clan at the same time!

It's all about family. No matter where you come from or go to, CRJ is a place to call home. And sometimes, your family just makes ours that much stronger and more special.

Happy Thanksgiving Eve, everyone!

EMCC CRJ: We. Are. Family.