Please welcome Recruit Joshua. He is a member of the Combined Regional Academy recruit class 2018-2, which started just one week ago.
My name is Lakewood Police Department Recruit Joshua Guerra.
I am incredibly happy to share my perspective of our first week in the 2018-2
Combined Regional Academy.
I was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado and attended
Saint Edward’s University in Austin, Texas where I lived for six years.
Following my graduation in May 2017, I was fortunate to work for the Travis
County Constable’s Office in Austin as a Warrant Specialist. The members of law
enforcement in that office proved to be invaluable mentors and resources as I
prepared to return home and begin a career of my own.
My Academy classmates and I have chosen what can delicately
be described as a tumultuous time in our nation to join law enforcement. Although it would be easy for our instructors
to ignore the harsh realities of the profession, they have certainly not. It’s
refreshing. In almost any other career path, employers will actively conceal
negative aspects of the job, to attract and retain their still naïve employees.
Police work is not easy, it is not safe, the hours are not ideal, the job is
equally physically and mentally taxing. One resounding truth is reinforced by
every veteran who speaks to our class; police work can be the most rewarding
career we ever have.
By far the most surprising part of my first week has been
the other members of the academy. We have, as an entire group, embraced the
challenge of the academy. Everyone arrived early the first day and former
military members stepped up to lead morning formation. I was staggered during
introductions to find our class is littered with law degrees, certified EMT’s,
combat veterans, military officers, and almost all were bachelor degree
recipients.
My fellow classmates have shown initiative and drive even in
the first few days. Put simply, these are the types of people I had hoped to share the streets with.
People push each other in our physical workouts, and bring each other up when
they need motivation. I have a strong feeing this academy will push me to be a
better officer due in part to my classmates.
I have no misconceived fantasy that the academy will be
smooth sailing the entire way. Warnings from previous graduates and current
instructors has prepared the entire group for an absolute grind. Before we participate
in firearms, arrest control tactics, and driving courses we must build an
educational foundation from which to jump. The next six weeks we will primarily
be in a classroom taking notes by day and studying by night, only to start over
again the following morning. There is no doubt this first portion of the academy
will test our resolve and dedication to our chosen profession. We will rely on
one another to earn the right to be called Police Officers, Deputy Sheriffs and
Agents.
The class motto we have chosen is “No Greater Honor” I could
not think of a more appropriate motivation for these 20 weeks with my future
brothers and sisters in Blue.
