Class 120 Features 27 Cadets
The Angelina College Law Enforcement Academy on Thursday celebrated Class 120 and its 27 future law enforcement officers in a celebration held inside AC’s Hudgins Hall.
Cadets earning individual awards included Aaron Masten (Driving Award), Williams Transier (Firearms Award), Adrian Ibarra (Physical Fitness Award) and Tyler Haddenham (Valedictorian).
Amy Wren, District Attorney of Angelina County, served as keynote speaker, while Monica Newberg (TCOLE Coordinator and Instructor of Criminal Justice) presented the graduating cadets. Cadet Adrian Ibarra led the pledges, and cadet Christian Crocker offered the invocation.
In addition, representatives from agencies throughout East Texas were on-hand to greet cadets as they walked across the stage.
Wren shared what she called “universal truths” regarding the life of a peace officer while discussing the meaning behind the term “peace officer.”
“The word ‘peace’ isn’t often in conjunction with what you see on the streets,” Wren said. “And yet, it’s still your job to preserve the peace, to serve and protect your community.
“You have earned an incredible gift of service, and with that comes a tremendous responsibility. You also have power to carry out that gift, and how you wield that power is how law enforcement will be seen throughout your community, throughout your state, and throughout the United States.”
Wren added that the laws may dictate what officers may do to perform their duties, but she reminded cadets of their individual responsibilities as well.
“Those laws don’t tell you who should be when you put that uniform on,” Wren said. “You need to decide who you will be every single day. Once you take off the uniform, you will always be a peace officer.”
Valedictorian Haddenham expressed gratitude to the instructors for maintaining high standards for every cadet.
“Our instructors taught us far more than procedure,” Haddenham said. “They taught us integrity, compassion, courage and the meaning of true service. They reminded us that every call is an opportunity to help, to protect and to listen to the people in our communities.”
Lt. Logan Finch, Academy Training Manager, closed the ceremony by praising both the cadets and their families, reminding family member that they, too, are now part of the law enforcement community.
“No one becomes a successful law enforcement officer by themselves,” Finch said. “Behind every badge, every uniform, every story, every moment of courage we might show – there’s family there to remind us of who we are. As family, you’ll know the weight of the badge and the weight of the responsibilities we carry.
“You’re going to be asked to give just as much as your law enforcement officer. We need your patience, your support and your love. Every time your officers go out the door, they will be carrying a piece of you with them.”
Following is the list of graduating cadets, along with their hometowns of record:
Justin Lumbreraz (Grapeland, TX), Abdiel Marroquin (La Grange, TX), Christopher Smith (Hickory, TX), Quentin Bill (Woodville, TX), Andrew Wells (San Augustine, TX), Tyler Haddenham (Malo, WA), Aaron Masten (Nacogdoches, TX), Blake Dougharty (Kountze, TX), Samuel Reyes (New Summerfield, TX), Rusty Kuciemba (Woodville, TX), Chase Tinsley (Garrison, TX), Abigail Rangel (Lufkin, TX), Kyle Clark (Lufkin, TX), Joshua Southerland (Nacogdoches, TX), Alex Long (Crockett, TX), Avery James (The Woodlands, TX), Aaron Martinez (Trinity, TX), Jayden Shoellhorn (Livingston, TX), Anderson Walker (Rosebud, TX), Jacob Norris (Jacksonville, TX), Brett Oliver (Lufkin, TX), Kade Godfrey (Nacogdoches, TX), David Silva (Lufkin, TX), Christian Crocker (North Zulch, TX), William Transier (Nacogdoches, TX), Adrian Ibarra (Lufkin, TX) and Matthew White (Hemphill, TX).
The Academy staff includes the following:
Dr. Esther Campbell, Vice President of Academic Affairs; Lt. Logan Finch, Training Manager; Monica Newberg, TCOLE Coordinator; Ivan Kaminsky, Training Manager; Ashley Jowell, Chief of Police; Kim Capps, Public Safety Specialist; Jason Pope, Training Manager; and Alexa Meshell, Administrative Assistant.
For further information on Angelina College’s Law Enforcement Academy, contact officials at policeacademy@angelina.edu.
