New police academy graduates join Oakland Police Department
on September 24, 2013
Proud family members filled the Scottish Rite Center on Friday morning to cheer for 36 new graduates joining the Oakland Police Department. This marks the 167th academy to graduate with OPD.
“That’s my son!” and “That’s my daughter!” shouted family members as Police Chief Sean Whent pinned badges to each graduate’s chest. The 36 graduating officers started their training 26 weeks ago and increase the number of officers in OPD to 647. The class started out with over 50 recruits.
Valedictorian graduate Mario Fajardo announced that the class included former soldiers, recent college graduates, plumbers, and even bar tenders and was diverse in both race and age, just like the city of Oakland. Several officers were also continuing the policing traditions in their own families and had their badges pinned by their fathers, wives, sisters, brothers and uncles.
Mayor Jean Quan addressed the new graduates, saying that Oakland residents made three requests of the new officers. She said residents wanted officers to smile more, to stop and say hello, and treat their families just like they treat their own.
The 168th academy will start training on Sept. 31 and are expected to graduate early December.
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- Officer Jeffrey Wildman stands at attention.
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- Interim Chief of Police Sean Whent checks a new graduate’s weapon as part of the swear-in process.
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- An officer has his weapon checked at the graduation ceremony.
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- An officer clears the chamber of her pistol in the graduation ceremony.
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- The 167th Academy stands at attention as family and friends watch.
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- The recruits receive their badges and are sworn in to the police force.
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- Officer Rishna Gracie receives her badge from her wife, San Francisco Police Lieutenant Teresa Gracie.
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- Eight officers had their badges pinned by family in law enforcement.
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- Of the 51 recruits, 36 graduated the 167th academy.
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- Officers raise their right hands and are sworn in to the Oakland Police Department.
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- Officers prepare for address by the mayor and chief of police.
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- Interim Chief of Police Sean Whent speaks to the new graduates.
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- The crowd applauds loudly as their loved ones are officially sworn in to the OPD.
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- Mayor Jean Quan address the new officers.
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“The 168th academy will start training on Sept. 31 and are expected to graduate early December.”
So you’re saying the academy is only a month long? Try some proof reading and fact checks before publishing. Please have some professionalism.