(Whittier, Calif.) – Today, Río Hondo Police Academy honored the achievements of 45 police cadets during the Basic Police Academy Class No. 217 graduation ceremony. The graduates represent 18 different law enforcement agencies throughout Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, marking the culmination of six months of rigorous training.
“These cadets have endured some of the most demanding physical and academic challenges of their lives,” said Director of the Police Academy Walter Allen. “Their perseverance, dedication and commitment to public service will serve them well as they embark on their law enforcement careers.”
Over the course of 1,000 hours of intensive instruction, cadets mastered 43 different learning domains, including constitutional law, community policing, de-escalation training, domestic violence, human trafficking, mental health crisis response, criminal law, firearms training and active shooter response training. Their completion of the program certifies that they have met all Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements.
Newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the vital role of ethical leadership and integrity in law enforcement. He stressed the importance of strong collaboration and a united front between law enforcement and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
In addition, 18 police chiefs from various agencies attended the ceremony to recognize the recruits' hard work and dedication. Academy instructors and administrative staff were also present to pay tribute to the cadets’ commitment to serving their communities.
Representing the Río Hondo College District Board of Trustees were President Oscar Valladares, Vice President Rosaelva Lomeli, Clerk Yarisma Rocha, Member Anais Medina Diaz and Student Trustee Hesma Valdes.
“We take great pride in our public safety academies and the profound impact they have on communities throughout the state,” said Board President Oscar Valladares. “These graduates will play a crucial role in ensuring public safety and building trust within the communities they serve.”
Río Hondo College Superintendent/President Marilyn Flores, Ph.D., praised the cadets for choosing a profession rooted in service.
“These recruits are stepping into a noble profession as guardians of our communities,” Flores said. “At Río Hondo College, we remain committed to training the essential workforce that keeps our neighborhoods safe and protected.”
Since its establishment in 1964, the Río Hondo College Police Academy has trained generations of law enforcement officers, producing police chiefs, officers and public safety professionals across the nation. The academy remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement training and preparing recruits for the challenges of modern policing.
For more information about the Río Hondo Police Academy, visit riohondo.edu.
