(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Thursday, Jan. 25, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) held a graduation ceremony to celebrate 32 new graduates from its 76th Training Academy. Graduates went through 27 weeks of intense training and testing to prepare them to join the ranks of the CSPD police force.
FOX21 interviewed Anna Reed, one of the graduates. “I knew if there was ever a time to make a difference in someone’s life, it was in the post-COVID era, because there’s so many people who distrust officers, law enforcement in general, and it felt like a good challenge to take on to be able to help people after that,” she said.
The graduates hail from 15 different states, including one recruit from the Virgin Islands. All the graduates have college experience, including three who hold Master’s degrees. 15 graduates have served, or currently serve, in the Armed Forces.
Mayor Yemi Mobolade, who has been vocal in his support for CSPD, spoke at the graduation, saying, “Today is a day of celebration and achievement as we gather to recognize the dedication and hard work of the women and men who have completed their training and are ready to begin their noble calling as members of the Colorado Springs Police Department.”
The Mayor called law enforcement the highest of all callings, one which requires “courage, empathy, humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to confront danger, protect and serve our community.”
“As you step into this role,” the Mayor told graduates. “You become the guardians of justice, the advocates of peace, and the reassuring presence in times of crisis. You are the bridge between order and chaos, the bridge between good and evil, & the bridge between life & death.”
