Union Alumni Continue to Move Up the Ranks
Union Institute & University is proud to salute Los Angeles Academic Center alumni Gerrit DeJong and Mike Verissimo on their promotions to sergeant in the Visalia California Police Department.
DeJong began his law enforcement career with the Visalia Police Department 13 years ago. His duties have included patrolman, dog handler, Youth Services Officer, detective in the Violent Crimes Division, and he serves as a member of the Rapid Response Team. He holds two degrees from Union, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s in Leadership, Public Policy and Social Issues.
Verissimo has been with the Visalia Police Department since 1998. He has served as patrolman, Field Training Officer, member of the DUI Enforcement Team and Hostage Negotiator Team. In addition, he has worked in the Investigations Division, Special Enforcement Bureau Gang Unit, and the Violent Crimes Unit. Verissimo also holds a degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute & University.
“The Criminal Justice Management (CJM) program’s unique curriculum has attracted many officers from various law enforcement agencies. The curriculum combines both the experiential and the theoretical, rounding out their knowledge of the criminal justice field and solidifies learning gained from their courses,” said Beth Pastores-Palffy,Ph.D., Executive Director, Los Angeles Academic Center.
Union Institute & University’s major in Criminal Justice Management is a nationally recognized degree program designed to advance the careers of law enforcement personnel into supervisory, management, and executive positions within the criminal justice system.
“It is an honor to congratulate Sergeant DeJong and Verissimo and the over 2,200 law enforcement professionals who hold a Criminal Justice Management degree from Union Institute & University, and the over 30 graduates who have continued up the ranks to become Chiefs of Police, Assistant Chiefs, or Sheriffs,” said Director of Marketing Ashley Finkes.
To read more about DeJong and Verissimo and their promotions CLICK HERE. To learn more about the Union Institute & University Criminal Justice Management degree program, visit www.myunion.edu/cj.