LIVERMORE FALLS - A Buckfield man is the second Livermore Falls police officer to become valedictorian of his class at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

Cort Hladik, 22, said becoming a police officer is something he has wanted to do since he was a boy.

"I was probably 5 years old when my parents gave me a plastic badge, police hat ... and ever since then I've always wanted to do it," Hladik said.

He graduated from the academy Friday after 18 weeks, and was back on the job Sunday night patrolling the streets. He joined the force in November 2007.

Hladik, who has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., was among 42 law enforcement officers in his class.

Officers are rated in six different categories, including academics and fitness, he said. At the end of the course the officer with the highest proficiency level becomes class valedictorian.

Awards are also given for each category, Hladik said.

Hladik earned the top award in the defense tactic category of mechanics of arrest, restraint and control.

"It's an exciting job and I really get satisfaction out of helping people," Hladik said. "It's not every call that we really feel we made a difference but it's that one call, maybe once a week, that's makes you really feel you made a difference."