Galveston College celebrated the graduation of Class 32 of Law Enforcement Academy cadets May 15 in the Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation Wing.
In a processional led by a traditional police bagpiper, the eight graduates of Class 32 marched into the auditorium to receive their certifications and to be administered the law enforcement oath of office.
Mary Pyle, director of the Law Enforcement Academy, served as master of ceremonies and introduced Galveston College President, Dr. Myles Shelton, who gave welcoming remarks to family and friends of the graduates. Dr. Shelton commended the work of the program instructors and the cadets and congratulated the graduates as they launched their careers.
Graduating cadet Erin Shaw, who was the class valedictorian, spoke on behalf of the class and gave thanks to family members, instructors and Galveston College for the opportunity of attending the academy.
Guest speaker Chief Brad Heiman of the Jamaica Beach Police Department asked those in attendance to observe a moment of silent in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day, which is celebrated throughout the nation on May 15, and encouraged the graduates to continue to serve with integrity in honor of those who gave their lives in service to their communities.
A presentation of special awards included the Top Gun award for the best marksmanship on the firing range to Cadet Calixto Lopez. The top academic achievement award went to Cadet Erin Shaw.
The graduates, all of whom serve with local law enforcement agencies, had a 100 percent pass rate on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement licensure exam.
Graduates included Luis Camino, Michael Gonzalez, Shane Hubbard, Lindsy Jackson, Calixto Lopez, Julia Pina, Mark Posey and Erin Shaw.
Cadet Class 32 instructors included Barton Stephenson, Galveston College; Kara Harrison, City of Galveston; Sgt. Billy Kilburn, Galveston County Sheriff’s Office; Cris Martinez, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission; Sean Migues, Galveston Police Department; Sgt. Andre Mitchell, Galveston County Constables, Precinct 2; Sgt. Khristin New, JCMO; Sgt. Raymond Orozco, Texas A&M University; and Ronny Phillips, Alvin Community College.
More than 400 cadets have graduated from Galveston College’s part-time Law Enforcement Academy since it began in 1987. Many of those graduates have gone on to join law enforcement agencies in Galveston County, throughout Texas and the Gulf Coast region.
Above: Members and instructors of Class 32 of the Galveston College Law Enforcement Academy include (front row) Erin Shaw, (middle row) faculty member Bart Stephenson, Shane Hubbard, Mark Posey, Julia Pina, Lindsy Jackson and faculty member Sgt. Khristen New, (back row) faculty member Sgt. William Kilburn, Michael Gonzalez, Luis Camino and Calixto Lopez. For more photos from the ceremony, click here.