Monday, January 23, 2012

Preparing for the end...





Well the academy FLEW by! I cant believe that it's over. The last few weeks have been preparation preparation preparation for the main P.O.S.T test. This test was a BEAST...haha...but I have great news...we all passed! Congrats everyone! Now time for graduation.

Graduation day was awesome! I personally was surprised by some great friends of mine that flew out for the event. Made the day even more exciting. Everyone looked great, we were all pressed, boots shinned, pens in the pockets, and standing tall waiting to be sworn in. Receiving our badge was an experience in itself, I could not believe that 21 weeks had come to an end. Knowing that I now wear a badge to uphold both the US and Colorado's Constitution as well as Jefferson Counties laws...simply put...AWESOME!

I have been thinking about the academy as a whole lately and have been thankful for such a great opportunity that I have been able to be a part of. There have been a lot of great experiences that JeffCo has offered all of us. (Yes, even the OC and getting Tased!) Many of us will go off to different agencies and start our careers there, and there are some of us who will have the chance to start our path here in JeffCo. Even though we will all be going our separate ways we all have this common ground of 2011-1 academy. Good or bad memories...we, together have accomplished something that only a few receive the opportunity to do so. So, I want to take this chance to say "thank you" to everyone who has helped with our academy in one way or another. To our instructors, you knowledge that you passed onto us is a priceless tool that we now have to put to use...thank you! Deputy Ackerman, thank you for your leadership and skills that you brought to the table out on the range, I am sure that everyone will remember those 4 rules and "tap, rack, target!!" Deputy Joselyn, thank you for riding us to be better, to have a mindset of a warrior, and to never quit! Your attitude towards your career and life is one that we could continue to learn so much from...thank you! Finally, Sergeant Beaulieu, your direction and experiences that you brought to the classroom seemed to be unmatched. I will forever be grateful for the stories you shared about your career early on. I think that a lot of people can learn so much from what you have to offer. Thank you Sergeant!