SANDPOINT — Two of the Sandpoint Police Department’s newest officers were honored with their POST certificates at Wednesday’s City Council meeting. 

Officers Heidi Barmore and Ben Wilkowski completed the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training division back in December and recently wrapped up their 14-week training locally. Lieutenant Steven Chamberlain and Mayor Jeremy Grimm presented the two with their certificates at the beginning of the meeting. 

“Both of them were actually hired on June 2 of last year, so they're almost at the year point,” Chamberlain said. “After that field training program, we submitted their information to the POST Standards Board, who said that they met their criteria and that they have the ability to achieve their post basic certificates.” 

Chamberlain said both officers excelled at the POST Academy in Meridian. Wilkowski earned the academy’s Top Student award for the officer who scored the highest on tests and evaluations. 

“They spent 14 weeks going to the police academy. This is not an overnight thing, right?” Chamberlain said. “14 weeks away from family, it’s a big sacrifice on top of the mental and physical rigors of the academy itself. So, both actually excelled at the academy and successfully graduated.” 

    Officer Ben Wilkowski shakes the hand of Lieutenant Steven Chamberlain after receiving his certificate.