Grubb graduates from police academy

A former Saratoga resident is on his way to pursuing a life in Law Enforcement.

Joseph Grubb, a 2010 graduate of Saratoga Middle/High School, recently graduated from the Florida police academy at the top of his class.

Law enforcement has always been a career goal for Joseph. In 2010, he escaped the blustery cold of the Platte Valley and attended Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla.

"I went their to enjoy the coast and the warmer weather," Grubb said. "I wanted to go to a Christian university and major in criminal justice."

After receiving his degree, Grubb headed to the Florida Police Academy in Orlando.

In order to be a police officer, Grubb had to complete a five-month 770-hour course training at the academy. He said that the days were extremely long beginning at 6 a.m. at ending at 5 p.m.

"At the beginning of every day was eight hours of rigorous academic study," Grubb said. Then the last two hours we did physical training."

The first couple of weeks at the academy were the toughest for Grubb as the physical training was extremely demanding.

"[The instructors] wanted to break us down," he said. "They wanted to weed us out."

Grubb said they ran an average of 2-5 miles a day at the academy.

Above the physical training, the hardest part for Grubb was being separated from his family during the holidays.

"I didn't get to go home for Christmas or Thanksgiving or anything. I finally got to see my family for graduation," Grubb said.

On Feb. 20, he graduated in the top of his class. Grubb said that his natural competitiveness and preparation going into the academy helped him with his success.

"I have always been competitive and strived to be the at top of everything I do. I have always been studious and I got good grades in college."

He has just received word that he will begin working as a police officer in the Polk County, Fla. Sheriff's Office this month. He said that his goal is to work for the FBI or the DEA someday.

But for now, Grubb is excited to be a police officer.

"It was the hardest thing I have ever done," Grubb said. "I'm excited to begin my career."

Grubb said he is thankful for his family and girlfriend who helped him through the academy.