Police academy graduates 28

Michael Cox

Marching single file in full dress blues to “The Olympic Fanfare”

and orders barked out by their class president, cadets from the

Golden West College’s Police Basic Academy prepared to graduate.

On a spring-like Friday morning, 25 men and three women graduated

from the academy at a ceremony held at the Robert B. Moore Theatre on

the campus of Orange Coast College. The theater was filled to near

capacity with police officials, academy instructors, family members

and friends.

Of the 28 graduates, seven will serve the Huntington Beach Police

Department. The new police officers are Timothy Kile, Chad Monroe,

Michael Pistilli, Zachariah Pricer, Jeremy Rabine, James Runyen and

Joseph Song.

Two of the soon-to-be Surf City officers earned top honors. Song

was given the Academic Achievement Award, while Runyen nabbed the

firearms proficiency award, the control technique award and top

honors, the Honor Recruit award, for the highest total point count in

the class.

A shiny brass bell was suspended from a wooden stand, serving as a

somber reminder of the immense responsibility and vital commitment

these recruits were about to accept as part of their new careers.

The bell was a part of the tradition of honoring each police

officer in Southern California who died in the line of duty while the

class was in session. Three names were read, each followed by the

ringing of the bell. The observance concluded with the playing of

“Taps.”

The graduation came at the end of six months of military-style

boot camp including: shaved heads for the men; a challenging,

academic program; harassment; intimidation; community service; and

rigorous, grueling physical training.

“The physical part was hard,” said graduate Aida Guzman from

Huntington Park. “It was hard keeping up with these guys, who are in

such terrific shape.”

Aida will be working for the San Marino Police Department.

Of the 28 who graduated Friday, 11 shouldered the cost of the

training themselves. Various police departments sponsored the

remaining 17.

Those who do not yet have jobs are concerned about their

prospects.

“California’s major budget cuts are taking their toll on all of

us, although some departments will be hiring new officers to avoid

the expense of paying too much overtime,” said Robert Medina of

Chino, who put himself through the academy.

But peace officers are needed now more than ever, said Irvine

Police Chief Michael Berkow, keynote speaker at the graduation

ceremony.

“There’s never been a better time to become a police officer,”

Berkow said. “This is a noble calling. Is there one greater? I can’t

imagine.”

The ceremony concluded with hugs from fellow officers and family

and hats thrown in the air.