SWTJC Law Enforcement Academy graduation celebrates new peace officers

Uvalde, TX, May 31, 2023 - On Friday, May 26, the Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) Law Enforcement Academy held its graduation ceremony at the Uvalde County Fairplex. The event marked the completion of Alpha Class and Bravo Class training, with 24 cadets receiving their peace officer certification. PHOTOS
 
The graduation ceremony began with a welcome from Dr. Hector Gonzales, the president of SWTJC. During the commencement address, Dr. Gonzales emphasized to the graduates that the training received at SWTJC marks merely the foundation of their educational journey in law enforcement.
 
Gonzales expressed his gratitude to the graduates' families for their unwavering support extended to their respective graduates.
 
"Your training—this is just the beginning, don't ever think that you're done learning," said Dr. Gonzales. "Thank you so much for supporting them it's not easy to be away from family while they study, pass exams and do the physical training."
 
Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell delivered the keynote address, congratulating all the graduates. He encouraged the newly certified peace officers to approach their responsibilities with integrity and honesty.
 
"I want to congratulate each and every one of the cadets and I want to thank you for your service and your sacrifice as you answer the call to undertake this most strenuous but noble path of law enforcement," said Mitchell. "Remember always where you came from and always remember to do your very best. Work hard to maintain your integrity and your honesty."
 
The ceremony's highlight was the presentation of certifications to the 24 cadets who completed their training. Family, friends, and fellow law enforcement professionals gathered to celebrate this significant achievement. Each cadet proudly accepted their certification, symbolizing their readiness to join the ranks of the law enforcement community.
 
Alpha Class graduates include Clarissa Vergara Aguilar, Romero Arredondo, Giovanni Ivan Ayala, Yendi Camacho, Jose Alberto Camarillo, Jr., Rodrigo Daniel Carrazco, Myles Kristjan Culver, Edwin Gonzalez, John Michael Guerra, Lauren Ashley Hernandez, David Lopez, Jose Alejandro Martinez, Issac Lee Perez, Jennifer Luna Perez, Ricardo Perusquia, Jr., and John Anthony Saucedo.
 
Bravos class graduates are Alonzo Daniel Carrasco, Mathew De Alba, Oscar De Hoyos, Trisha De La Rosa, Wendy D. Fernandez, Isaias Flores, Celinda Hernandez, Axel Rodriguez, Efrain Sanchez, David L. Varela, Andrew Vasquez, Joel Villasenor, and Antonio Yahuaca.
 
During the graduation ceremony, awards were handed out to top-performing cadets. 
 
Valedictorian honors went to Yendi Camacho for Alpha Class, while Wendy D. Fernandez was awarded for Bravo Class. 
 
Other awards for Alpha Class included David Lopez, with high qualification scores in firearms training and driving courses.
 
Jose Alberto Camarillo Jr. was recognized for the high qualification score in defensive tactics, while John Anthony Saucedo received the Best in Physical Fitness award.
 
Bravo Class awards include Joel Villasenor, Firearms High Qualification Score; Isaias Flores, Driving Course High Qualification Score; Celinda Hernandez, Defensive Tactics High Qualification Score and Mathew De Alba, Best in Physical Fitness.
 
The SWTJC Law Enforcement Academy is renowned for its comprehensive training program, equipping cadets with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. The rigorous curriculum covers various subjects, including criminal law, defensive tactics, emergency response, and community policing. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to face the complex and evolving challenges of modern law enforcement.
 
The graduation ceremony recognized the cadets' hard work and dedication and honored the support and encouragement their families, friends, and instructors provided. The event served as a reminder of the crucial role that community support plays in the success of these future peace officers.
 
The SWTJC Law Enforcement Academy is currently accepting applications to the next academy scheduled to begin in August 2023. Contact law enforcement academy administrative assistant Terry Zamarripa at thzamarripa@swtjc.edu or call (830) 591-4158.