Delphi's top criminal justice students get elevated award
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Students get close look at police helicopter. Photo provided

Delphi Community High School began offering a vocational criminal justice class in the fall of 2006. Former Lafayette Police Department Officer Chico Hatke was hired to teach students from Delphi, Carroll, Twin Lakes, Tri- County, Frontier and North White the ins and outs of the criminal justice system and what it really means in an experiential way to become a law enforcement officer.

Adam Lair of Carroll and Stephanie Murray of Twin Lakes, the two students with top test scores and research papers at the end of the course, were given a special award May 16. They were treated to a ride over Delphi in a State Police helicopter.

"It was pretty exhilarating," said Lair. "I've been in a plane before, but this was totally different. The weightless feeling of just hovering 200 feet in the air is incredible."

The reward was made possible with help from the course advisory group, which includes Carroll County Sheriff Tony Burns and Maj. Tobe Leazenby, and with Hatke's prior working relationship with the person in charge of the Indiana State Police Aviation division from his 20-year law enforcement career.

Hatke taught the course parttime and graduated 13 students this past school year. Next year, with 27 registered students, it will be a full-time position for him. Hatke said he hopes to be able to have the opportunity to offer an advanced curriculum.

Lair hopes to pursue criminal justice in college and is glad to have been able to get a head start with the DCHS course.

"Mr. Hatke is a great role model who I look up to and respect," said Lair.

"I'm waiting for the day I see a police car and one of my students gets out of the front seat!" Hatke proudly said.

Comet staff writer-intern Jenna Buehler contributed to this story.