Filled with pride and a call to serve, 22 cadets from Galveston College’s Law Enforcement Academy earned their Basic Peace Officers certification on May 30 during their graduation ceremony, marking the culmination of months of intensive training.
Held at the GC main campus, the ceremony honored Cadet Class 14(D) and Class 38(N), whose members are now officially prepared to enter the ranks of Texas peace officers.
Of the 22 cadets, 16 have been hired by the Galveston County Sheriff’s Department, Galveston, Texas City and La Marque Police Departments, and the Galveston Fire Department.
La Marque Police Chief Randall Aragon delivered the keynote address, offering advice and words of encouragement. Drawing on years of law enforcement experience, Chief Aragon inspired graduates to uphold justice with compassion, courage and character.
Director of the GC Law Enforcement Academy, Barton Stephenson, presented certificates to the graduates, praising their perseverance and commitment to public service.
“This is more than a graduation, it’s a calling answered,” said Stephenson. “These cadets have met every challenge, and they’re ready to protect and serve with professionalism, compassion and purpose.”
Two cadets received top academic honors as class valedictorians: Scott Buchanan of Class 14(D) and Faith Clark of Class 38(N). Both were recognized not only for academic excellence but also for their leadership and integrity throughout the program.
“I’m very proud of this achievement, I put in a lot of work and dedicated a lot of time studying over the past four months in the academy, and the hard work is paying off,” said Buchanan, 40, who was hired by the Galveston Police Department and whose father was also a law enforcement officer. “I met a lot of good people (in the academy), it was fun and I built some good friendships with others who were in the class. I’m excited to get out there and move on to the next step of the journey. I have a great sense of pride to go out there and help people and serve the community.”
“I’ve always had an interest in law enforcement and helping people,” said Clark, 24. “I’m extremely grateful that all my hard work paid off. I met a lot of amazing people (in the academy), who are extremely intelligent, and I will be friends with my entire life. It’s surreal. I started working at the Sheriff’s Office in the county jail and now I will be going out on patrol. It’s great that they trust in my ability to do well. ”
GC has long demonstrated its steadfast commitment to public safety through its strong support and enduring partnerships with local, county and regional law enforcement agencies. Through the college’s Law Enforcement Academy, GC has helped develop future peace officers with real-world training, strengthening both public safety and its partnerships with local agencies.
The GC Law Enforcement Academy offers comprehensive instruction that prepares cadets for the realities of modern policing while reinforcing the values of service, accountability and community engagement.
The graduating cadets were Alex Armenta, Scott Buchanan, Daniel Burks, Ashley Cantu, Aide Castillo, Christian Castillo, Faith Clark, Colter Culwell, Rogelio Diaz, Charles Gonzales, Bryce Hamilton, William Harbison, Kendrick Hardy, Kimberly Hathcock, Merrande Johnson, Bryan Meno, Victor Pedraza, Andrea Roseboro, Janie Torres, Zachary Waltmon, David Williams and Kaylor Wilson.
The Galveston College Law Enforcement Academy began in 1993 with a Basic Reserve Officer course. In 2000, the LEA introduced the first Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC). The BPOC became a full-time program in 2018, and a partnership was established between GC and the city of Galveston. The collaboration significantly expanded opportunities for both students and local law enforcement agencies by providing a more accessible and structured pathway to a law enforcement career.
For more information about the Galveston College Law Enforcement Academy, visit www.gc.edu/lea, call 409-944-1263, or email bstephenson@gc.edu.
ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE
Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.