To support the state’s next generation of law enforcement professionals, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has launched Fit2Serve: Pathway to Policing, a new workforce training initiative designed to prepare Rhode Islanders for careers in law enforcement and public safety.

The program, which kicked off on May 18 at CCRI’s Flanagan Campus in Lincoln, marks the college’s first workforce training initiative specifically focused on law enforcement careers. Developed by the experts at Fit2Serve, driven by the hiring needs of local municipalities, and supported through funding from the Rhode Island Foundation, the inaugural cohort features 15 students actively pursuing careers in public safety.

“CCRI is proud to launch Fit2Serve as part of our commitment to building workforce programs that directly respond to the needs of Rhode Island’s communities and employers,” said CCRI President Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN. “Law enforcement agencies across our state are facing significant recruitment challenges, and this program creates a strong pipeline of prepared, disciplined, and community-minded individuals ready to serve.”

Fit2Serve: Pathway to Policing was created in direct response to the growing workforce shortages and recruitment challenges facing police departments across the state. The intensive, eight-week academy preparation program requires multi-day training focused on physical conditioning, defensive tactics, swim readiness, firearms safety education, written and oral board examination preparation, nutrition coaching, and mentorship from experienced law enforcement and fitness professionals.

Designed to mirror the rigorous discipline and physical demands of modern police academies, the program emphasizes professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and personal development.

“Fit2Serve is proud and honored to partner with CCRI on this important initiative and grateful for the support of the Rhode Island Foundation and the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association,” said Kevin Barry, Founder and Owner of Fit2Serve. “The interest in this program was incredible, with more than 100 applicants competing for just 15 seats in the inaugural cohort. These students were selected because they demonstrated the commitment, discipline, and desire to serve their communities through careers in public safety.”

“The Fit2Serve Pathway to Policing Program is an outstanding opportunity for individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement to gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed,” said Chief Sidney Wordell (ret.), Executive Director of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. “By removing financial barriers and providing structured preparation, this program helps build a stronger and more diverse pipeline of future police officers for Rhode Island communities. We are grateful to CCRI, Fit2Serve, and the Rhode Island Foundation for their commitment to developing the next generation of public servants and helping candidates take the first step toward a rewarding career in law enforcement.”

The launch of this program continues CCRI’s broader strategy of developing employer-aligned workforce partnerships that directly respond to critical industry shortages. Through its Division of Workforce Partnerships, CCRI has significantly expanded programming in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, maritime trades, construction, hospitality, utilities, and financial services.

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association also played a vital role in supporting the development of the initiative, ensuring the curriculum aligns with the evolving needs of the state's police departments.

Funding support from the Rhode Island Foundation helped make the initiative possible, reflecting a broader investment in workforce development, public safety, and community impact initiatives throughout Rhode Island.

“Investing in initiatives that create meaningful career pathways promotes the type of economic mobility that can change the lives of the graduates and their families forever, said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO, which supported CCRI’s work with a $125,000 grant. “Beyond that, this will create a pipeline of qualified candidates who are especially attuned to the communities they will serve.”

For more information about Fit2Serve: Pathway to Policing, visit the CCRI Fit2Serve Program Page.