Law enforcement academy graduates 41 in Uvalde

(Press Release) A total of 41 cadets received certificates of completion during fall graduation ceremonies for the Middle Rio Grande Law Enforcement Academy at SWTJC.

The ceremony was held Friday, Dec. 8, in the La Forge Hall Gym on the SWTJC Uvalde campus.

Uvalde Charlie Class graduates include Carlino V. Aranda, Christian A. Beyer, James P. Calliham, John M. Cano, Abraham J. Cantu, Veronica D. Cisneros, Eva Galvan, Ricardo Gandara, Aurelio Hernandez, Bryan N. Jackson, and Carlos A. Martinez.

Also earning their certificate of completion were Jonathan M. Martinez, Michael M. Munoz, Jose A. Paredes, Homer A. Perez, Matthew C. Ramos, Gabriel A. Rangel, Gumecindo Rocha, Garrett W. Ross, Daniel W. Ruble, Warren A. Siller, Brandon S. Stern, and Miguel A. Trevino.

Eagle Pass Bravo Class include Jose M. Beattie, Kimberly Cabello, Martin Cazares, Jr., Felipe De Jesus Chapa, Gabriel J. Daniel, Dalia A. De La Cruz, Linkadelilah De Los Santos, Ana M. Diaz, and Abel Flores.

Also earning their certificate of completion are Damian Guerra, Kathy N. Leos, Jose Luis Morales, Gabino Muzquiz, Kelvin O’Neil, Cesar A. Perez, Daniel Eduardo Platte, Cecilia Miranda Tijerina, and Theresita Venegas.
SWTJC President, Dr. Hector Gonzales welcomed all family and friends to the ceremony and offered some career advice for the graduates.

“Opportunities are everywhere, sometimes you have a bit of good luck that comes across your way, but you also have a huge role in creating your own opportunities,” said Gonzales. “You can do this by making yourself more marketable, take on that additional training, that extra assignment, because the more you learn the more valuable you will become.

According to academy coordinator Andy Davila, all graduating cadets passed the state-licensing exam of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). Class average on the exam for Uvalde was 85, and 81 for Eagle Pass.

Alberto Guajardo, Eagle Pass Police Department Chief of Police and Brandon McCutchen, Uvalde County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy were the guest speakers at this fall’s academy graduation.

Class presidents Daniel Platte (Bravo Class) and Jonathan Martinez (Charlie Class) thanked the families of their fellow cadets and the academy staff for all their hard work and support.

After the presentation of certificates, top graduates were recognized for excelling in various aspects of the 700-hour academy.

Class valedictorian went to Theresita Venegas of Bravo Class and Homer A. Perez of Charlie Class.

Daniel Eduardo Platte of Bravo Class and Ricardo Gandara, Jr. of Charlie Class received the award for high qualification score in firearms.

Jose M. Beattie of Bravo Class and Aurelio Hernandez, Jr. of Charlie Class received an award for high qualification score in the driving course, while Aaron Abel Flores (Bravo Class) and Miguel A. Trevino (Charlie Class) received the award for the best physical fitness test score.

Abel Flores (Bravo Class) and Michael M. Munoz (Charlie Class) were given the award for high qualification score in mechanics of arrest.

Family and friends were treated to a small reception with refreshments immediately after the ceremony.