Sheriff Luna presides over his first county academy graduation
Los Angeles County Sheriff recruit Perla Chavez, 22, of South Gate, stands with her graduating class during their swearing in ceremony at East Los Angeles College on Friday, January 20, 2023. In the class of 81 graduates 14 are female. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger attends the graduating class of police recruits swearing in ceremony at East Los Angeles College on Friday, January 20, 2023 where she speaks with LA County Sheriff Lt. Glenn Walsh. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna graduates recruits from various police agencies during a swearing in ceremony at East Los Angeles College on Friday, January 20, 2023. In the class of 81 graduates 14 are female. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna presents Deputy David Beltran with the Honor Recruit Class 463 Award with Lt. Glenn Walsh during a swearing in ceremony for graduating recruits at East Los Angeles College on Friday, January 20, 2023. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A swearing in ceremony for a class of police recruits, including those with Los Angeles County Sheriff Department is held at East Los Angeles College on Friday, January 20, 2023. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles County Sheriff graduating recruits are sworn in as deputies during a ceremony at East Los Angeles College on Friday, January 20, 2023. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger attends the graduating class of police recruits during their swearing in ceremony at East Los Angeles College on Friday, January 20, 2023. In the class of 81 graduates, from various agencies including LA County Sheriff, 14 are female. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna graduates recruits from various police agencies during a swearing in ceremony at East Los Angeles College on Friday, January 20, 2023. In the class of 81 graduates 14 are female. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Santa Monica Police recruits Jessica Contreras, 27, and Basilio Martinez, 35, salute during their swearing in ceremony at East Los Angeles College on Friday, January 20, 2023. In the class of 81 graduates 14 are female. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles County Sheriff recruits line up for their swearing in ceremony at East Los Angeles College on Friday, January 20, 2023. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna presided over an academy graduation ceremony for 81 new deputies and police officers from the sheriff’s academy today.
Among those on hand for the 10 a.m. Friday ceremony at East Los Angeles College were Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and officials from the Glendale, Santa Monica, Sierra Madre and Los Angeles School police departments.
Of the graduates, 69 will become Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies and the others will become police officers with the four departments.
“It is a great honor for me to speak to you this morning and welcome you … to the law enforcement profession,” Luna said after swearing the graduates in as new deputies and officers. “Today is the day you will remember for the rest of your life.”
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Luna paused for a moment of recognition for Riverside County sheriff’s deputies Darnell Calhoun and Isaiah Cordero who were fatally shot in the line of duty recently.
“Our hearts go out to their families, their friends, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department,” Luna said.
Luna stressed that law enforcement officers routinely face adversity and will be judged by how they respond to the adversity while protecting their communities.
“(In) very difficult and challenging times, you can take comfort in knowing the members of the public that we serve are grateful and will be grateful for your sacrifice,” Luna said. “There is something special about each and every one of you sitting here.”
