Keeping the peace in the Brazos Valley: 22 new officers graduate from the Central Texas Police Academy

Twenty-two new peace officers graduated from the Central Texas Police Academy in June 6, after 18 weeks of comprehensive training. Assistant Police Chief Jessica Robledo of the Austin Police Department delivered the keynote address at the graduation ceremony, which was held at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum’s Annenberg Presidential Conference Center.

Most of the new officers have already begun their duties with area police departments in Bryan, College Station and Texas A&M University, as well as the Sheriff’s Offices in Brazos, Burleson and Grimes Counties.

The 154th Basic Peace Officer Class began on Feb. 3, tackling topics that range from criminal investigations and arrest procedures to firearms management and self-defense tactics as well as Texas state law and emergency driving techniques. Graduates enrolled through Blinn College earned 20 hours of college credit.

TEEX Director Gary Sera welcomed the class and their guests to the graduation ceremony, and Training Director Cullen Grissom addressed the graduates. Class #154 awards were presented by Public Safety & Security Division Director Tom Shehan, and Academy Training Manager Lee Santo awarded certificates to the new officers.

Other members of the academy staff are Larry Frye, Jan Meyer-Brickley and Karen Brown. More than 40 guest instructors from law enforcement and other disciplines who assist with the academy were recognized during the ceremony.