In This Together

Please welcome Recruit DeRosa. Every recruit comes face to face with adversity during the Academy experience. Sometimes it is critical training meant to preserve life. More often, it is the simple things that can be most stressful.

My name is Recruit DeRosa with the Lakewood Police Department. I am honored to share my experiences after two weeks in the 2018-2 Combined Regional Academy.

I lived almost my whole life in Castle Rock, Colorado and attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. I graduated in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and minored in sociology. After graduation, I spent a year applying for law enforcement positions all across Colorado. I applied to a total of nine law enforcement agencies before I was fortunate enough to land a recruit position with Lakewood Police Department. My journey in the academy began on Monday, July 16^th.

I’ve been impressed at how fast my classmates and I have begun to bond, and become closer every day. Although we met each other only a few weeks ago, everyone treats each other like we have been friends for years. From cracking inside jokes when the instructors leave the room to supporting one another during PT, we are already turning into a family. Nobody is ever alone in this experience. We practice formation together, we work out together, we eat together, and we learn together. 

There have been numerous opportunities to learn lessons so far. One of those sticks out the most to me. After orientation we were expected to break in our new boots and begin to learn how to shine them. I was under the impression that shinning boots was simple, a five minute task. I mean, how hard can it be? Just “wax on, wax off.” Right?

After an hour of rubbing a boot I quickly realized even the simplest tasks are going to take some work. I was beyond stressed that I couldn’t get a shine on my boots, and thought I was going to be the only idiot that couldn’t figure it out. The next day at the academy, I learned I was not alone. The majority of us were struggling and it seemed everyone had different theories on how to get a good shine going.

I realized I am not alone in this academy. I have many resources around me and people who will struggle along with me. I asked people who knew what they were doing, and went home that night encouraged. The next week during formation I received a complement from one of the Sergeants about the shine on my boots. After a couple of weeks I have learned during times of frustration I am not alone. I can carry this lesson throughout my career as an Agent with Lakewood Police Department.

No Greater Honor

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.