Press Release

Six female and eleven male officers from seven law enforcement agencies, along with 46 male and 18 female Deputy Sheriffs, graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Training Academy during ceremonies held on Friday, December 28, 2001, at the East Los Angeles Community College Auditorium. Former Undersheriff Paul Myron delivered the keynote address to the graduates and their guests.

During his remarks, Mr. Myron said, "On September 11th, the American people witnessed unforgettable acts of courage in New York City, the Pentagon and in the air over Pennsylvania. We in law enforcement see deputy sheriffs, police officers and firefighters acting courageously on a regular basis."

As part of the graduation, a badge-pinning ceremony was conducted, with the new officers and deputies receiving their badges from a family member or other loved one. After receiving their certificates, the graduates were officially sworn in as peace officers by Sheriff Lee Baca. He told them, "Each of you will become a leader within your organization as well as within the communities you will serve. The challenge before you is to perform your law enforcement duties with respect for all people and to serve as positive role models to those with whom you come into contact."

In a special segment of the ceremony, Deputy Joseph Serna, a resident of Long Beach, was named the Honor Recruit for Class #325. This award is given to the recruit who achieves the highest numerical average based upon leadership qualities, social relations and personal traits, practical performance, academics, marksmanship, and physical performance throughout the training period.

SHB-212A-01

December 28, 2001

Photos available upon request.