Last week, Angelina College’s Law Enforcement Academy graduated the 11 members of Class 117, sending those men and women into their new careers as peace officers.

Gary Stallard/AC News Service
Gary Stallard/AC News Service
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AC’s Chief of Police, Doug Conn, addressed the cadets and crowd and shared the academy's storied history.

“We’ve come a long way with this academy, reaching this Class 117, and we’ve made history along the way,” Conn said. “We’ve placed law enforcement officers out on the streets all over the United States, from Washington all the way down to Zavalla, Texas, and we’re very proud of that record.”

Conn said the recent crop of graduates endured more than 700 hours of instruction covering 43 different topics, all of which ended in a big payoff: The class finished with a 100 percent pass rate on the TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) exam.

Keynote speaker Chuck Havard, a former AC academy graduate and a member of the second class, served under Conn back in 1994. Havard’s career includes time as a Texas State Trooper; recently, Havard was elected the new sheriff of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

Gary Stallard/AC News Service
Gary Stallard/AC News Service
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“I want to thank each and every one of you in Class 117 for the sacrifices you’ve made over the past several months,” Havard told the cadets. “You’ve answered the call from your communities, and you will now undertake one of the most strenuous – but most noble – professions on the face of the planet.

“The perseverance you’ve shown speaks volumes about your dedication and your work ethic. This is just the beginning for you, and I’d ask you to serve as peace officers with the same dedication and tenacity that has led you to where you are tonight.”

Valedictorian Christopher Dame cited Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” speech to inspire his classmates.

“In moments of self-doubt, remember why you chose this profession and take pride in the fact that you’re the one in the arena,” Dame said. “You’re willing to take on a profession the majority of the population can’t or won’t do.

“While the exact reasons we chose to join this profession may differ, they all come down to a desire to protect and serve our communities. It’s our turn to step into the arena.”

Lt. Logan Finch, Academy instructor, closed with his own words of wisdom.

“You’re about to go on an adventure,” Finch said. “This is not a job. You’ll have ups and downs, you’re going to meet new people, and you’re going to feel a rush of emotions. You’ll have a whole new family: those behind and beside you wearing the uniform.

“But there are people you do not leave behind, and those are your immediate family. Put them first. Include them, and let them join your new family as well. Do good work, and come home safe.”

Graduating cadets and their hometowns were as follows:

  • Jennefer Cruz (Crockett)
  • Christopher Dame (Lufkin)
  • Sarah D. Early (Lufkin)
  • Devon B. Franz (Lufkin)
  • Brody M. Fulcher (Splendora)
  • Rafael Herrera, Jr. (Cleveland)
  • Austin B. Jenkins (Chester)
  • Brayden K. McDaniel (Lufkin)
  • Ryan A. McNabb (Nacogdoches)
  • Trinity W. Mitchell (Huntington)
  • Robert G. Turpin III (Kirbyville)

Individual student awards included Christopher Dame, Valedictorian; Jennefer Cruz, Physical Fitness Award; Trinity W. Mitchell, Top Gun; Ryan A. McNabb, Best Driver; and Robert G. Turpin III, Perseverance Award.

In a recent Facebook post, the Diboll Police Department congratulated Brayden McDaniel and welcomed him to their ranks.

Likewise, the Lufkin Police Department bragged on Christopher Dame and Sarah Early who will soon join their force.

Academy Staff includes Doug Conn, Chief of Police; Lt. Logan Finch, Training Manager; Sgt. Ashley Jowell, Training Specialist; and Kim Capps, Administrative Assistant.

For further information on Angelina College’s Law Enforcement Academy, email policeacademy@angelina.edu.

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