The Eve of Graduation

Week 20, Day 4

Well…here it is…the evening before graduation. I am still in shock and yet I am so excited. I can’t believe that I did it and that the entire class (all 41) made it. It is a moment we have all waited for and now it is less then 24 hours away.

First, I would like to say to my classmates…congratulations. It has not been easy. We have overcome some really tough days and A LOT of training. I can still remember the first couple of weeks…sitting through all the law classes and figuring out how to read the “Blue Book”. Those were some daunting days and I didn’t think they would ever end. Now you can ask anyone of us about…let’s say…the difference between 1st and 2nd degree assault…and we can give you the elements of the crime and how to fill out the forms. (Especially 1st and 2nd degree burns…that’s a little inside joke)

You could take anyone of us to the firing range, give us a gun and we will confidently hit the targets. We can all defend ourselves in a fight. We can fight through O.C. spray. We can safely drive a patrol car and feel confident and comfortable with ourselves and the car’s abilities. We can direct traffic, conduct a vehicle search, a building search and even secure a crime scene. How about some PT? Because we can do that too. We have done it all and we have done it together.

Class 2009-1, has a lot of different personalities and a lot of diversity. Each and every one of us had some experience and knowledge to bring to the table. I have learned at least one thing from every single person in this class. It is a great feeling to have come so far and to graduate with every person we started with. It is unusual with such a large group, that we didn’t lose a single person.

I want to talk about an exercise we did today, that was interesting and it had people come out of their comfort zones. It was a team building exercise that forced us to dig deep into our emotions (not easy for most people to do, especially this group). We had to reveal how we felt about the police organizations we work for and about a topic we are really passionate about. The best part…we were on our feet, clapping and yelling encouragements to each other. It was cool to see what each person felt and what drives them to put the uniform on every day. I am just sad that it took until today (Week 20, day 4) to hear that about each other.

Graduation day for me will be a beautiful ending to 5 ½ months of sacrifice and hard work. But it’s also the beginning of a new way of life. A new profession that I am proud to be a part of and I look forward to working with my fellow classmates (my new family). I have asked my sister to pin my badge on my uniform during the ceremony tomorrow. My family has been a there for me and has supported me through this adventure. I am looking forward to my family getting to meet my new family…the Deputies of Jefferson County Sheriff Department.

CLASS 2009-1…Congratulations…WE DID IT!!!

The "Right of Passage" run up Lookout Mountain




Up the hill, with Golden in the background

Here we come with a Police escort

Here we are at the top

Deputy Johnson and Deputy Hoffman pushed out 41 push-ups (1 for each of us that passed the POST exam)

This is a "Perfect" place for Deputy Johnson (just kidding, he knows we appreciate all he has done for us)

O.C. Spray…what more can I say???

Week 15, Day 5

Well, this academy really knows how to conduct training. I know I have talked about this before, but we are learning and training at lighting speed. There is so much to do during a day and during the week, it is mind numbing. We have progressed through the following areas (in no particular order):

• law classes
• arrest control
• firearms
• report writing
• SWAT
• explosives
• more firearms and arrest control
• first aid
• pedestrian contacts
• vehicle stops
• traffic codes
• firearms qualifications
• building searches
• hostage negotiations
• gangs, to include motorcycle gangs
• terrorist threats
• identity theft
• crowd control
• traffic direction
• crime scene investigations (CSI…look out)
• vehicle searches

Let’s not forget the uniform inspections, the memorial formations for all the fallen Colorado Police Officers and the PT sessions (including Red Rocks). Most of these training classes include hands-on practicals, where we are expected to take what we have learned in the classroom and apply it to real life scenarios. We are really learning to adapt and work as a team. People you never thought you would work with; you now have to count on. You have to be able to trust that they will be right by your side if something happens. These last couple of weeks, the instructors really turned the heat up and I mean that literally.

The last real life scenario we did was on Friday, when we underwent OC spray training. Those of you who do not know what OC spray is…well…it’s like taking the oil from a Habanero pepper and rubbing it in your eyes and all over your skin. It’s on a volunteer basis…but who doesn’t want to be a team player and go through this training? Not me. Some of my classmates couldn’t go through the training for medical reasons, but for the rest of us…we were not going to back out. We got sprayed in the face (including one eye) and then had to fight our way through 3 different scenarios. We did it…and we did it as a team. We were all together, suffering, coughing, gagging and the most important part…cheering each other on. I can tell you…I am glad I went through the training to know what it feels like. I can also tell you, I am glad it’s over. One last note…you should make sure NOT to hit the hot water in the shower accidentally…because it reactivates the oils. WOW!!!

Another training session I want to talk about is…a particular PT session we had with one of the class’s favorite Sergeants. (Trying to get my brownie points in) He really likes to PT and he took us all with him. And when I say he really likes PT, I mean he really likes to PT. We were given a taste of what some of the SWAT officers like to call a “Normal” PT session. If running up and down a steep dirt hill (8-9 times), approximately 300 push-ups, lunges, flutter kicks, pull-ups and a 2 mile run…is what you call “Normal”…then you would fit right in. Most of us didn’t see it as very normal. But again…we hung in there and pushed through together. It really was a lot of fun and the Sergeant and the academy staff made sure we all finished. (Even the few people that threw up breakfast)

So the common thread for these last couple of weeks has been…teamwork. I know I haven’t talked much about it lately, but it really is so important in this profession. We have learned to count on each other. When something goes wrong…we stand by each other and learn together. We push each other, we learn from each other and we learn from each other’s mistakes. That alone is some really good training. So far…I am really enjoying this training and I think I am really going to enjoy being part of this “Brotherhood”.

The instructors doing a traffic stop with the K-9 unit

Charlies Angels or building searches?

Recruit Brown getting sprayed in the face

Recruit Brown after OC Spray

Cold water feels so good after OC

Where is the air?

Class 2009-1 after OC Spray

Can it be?? We are in Week 6!!

Week 6, Day 3

Class streamer

Last week was a rough one. We were all a little beat up with all the academics, the inspections, the PT sessions and let’s not forget…we got our Guidon taken away. We have managed to pull ourselves from the “Funk” and get back on track. We got our Guidon back and…we now have our own streamer attached to it. It’s gold and it is the only one of its kind.

We had our 2nd written exam, last Wednesday morning and I can honestly say I didn’t do as well as I wanted to. The test had 100 questions on it and it seemed, while I was taking the test I really knew the answers. But when I got the graded test back that was not the case. I soon found out, a lot of my classmates didn’t do “Great” either. We as a class went over the questions that we missed and came to a consensus that we needed the academy staff to hear our concerns. SGT. Wygant came in and sat with us and went over all the questions we had problems with and actually threw out some questions. Overall, it was a really productive afternoon and for one of the first times in 6 weeks, we all came together and worked together to achieve a common goal. It was something to see.

The rest of the week was spent doing more classes and of course, PT!!! One of the classes was about liquor codes and how to spot a fake ID. That was really cool. We spent some time doing a hands-on exercise to see if we could determine what was real, what was a fraud and which ID’s had been tampered with. It was a very informative class. We rounded out the week with a class on verbal communications, or otherwise known as “Verbal Judo.” In this line of work we really need to be great communicators and even more important, great listeners. The class touched on the different generations out there and the age gaps that we need to consider when we are dealing with the public. This was also when of the first classes we have had, that really touched on and talked at length about “Officer Safety” and what all that means to us. The instructor made a point to say that, most of the time we as Law Enforcement Officers (LEO), only have approximately 1/8 of a second to make a decision about what we are going to do in a critical situation. That is a pretty scary reality.

Week 6, started off a little slow for me personally. I had my Army National Guard drill weekend, where I worked all of Saturday and Sunday. So I didn’t have the weekend to get caught up on notes and things from last week, so I went into Monday morning feeling really tired. But that soon changed with the first class of the day, which covered Controlled Substances. The first part of the class was about the laws concerning controlled substances and finished with a detective from Westminster P.D. The detective came in and talked to us about the illegal drugs we will see on the street and in the jail, for that matter. What to look for when someone is under the influence of drugs and how to handle the situation. The best part of the lecture was the fact the detective use to work undercover and had some great stories. I really enjoyed this class.

At 0700 hours, on Tuesday we had our first official uniform inspection in Class A’s. Class A’s, consist of a long sleeved shirt and tie. We all looked really good and got an A+ from LT. Wolgamott, for a job well done. Now that Daylight Savings has come and gone, we get to change from Class A uniform to Class B, which is short sleeves and no ties. Can I just say…I love Daylight Savings. We not only get to wear short sleeves, but it stays darker longer, which translate to more afternoon PT sessions. We have had PT 3 times this week and as of tonight, I am feeling the burn. We did sprints today, which was a lot of fun. I am beginning to think Deputy Johnson is part Jack Rabbit…and no it has nothing to do with his ears. He is so fast and most of the time, we as a class spend our time trying to keep up. Our PT sessions are a lot of fun and a great way for us all to blow off some steam. I want to give a big HOOHAH (that’s Army for good job), to everyone for pulling everyone through these sessions. Some people are just not sprinters, but they never quit, they are always pushing forward and the rest of the formation always peels back to get them. We never leave anyone behind, EVER! So HOOHAH to all of you for the awesome PT sessions.

On Thursday we get to move into Firearms training. Next week, we get to do some hands-on with our weapons and in week 8, we will actually go “Live” on the range. What an awesome feeling that is. I still can’t believe we are almost done with week 6. We are moving right along and for the record…I still love every minute of it. This was a great career decision.

LT. Wolgamott inspects 2nd Squad

1st Squad gets the once over

Looking good 3rd Squad

This is No Joke

Week 3, Day 1

In formation getting briefed about the PT test

Well, we are starting week 3 and it finally feels as though, I am starting to get a rhythm down. For example: when to get up in the mornings (minus the snow storms) and when to get to school (without speeding). What to eat for breakfast (to get me through to lunch) and what to eat for lunch (to get me through the afternoon PT sessions). When to study when I get home and then what time I should go to bed. This all may seem very trivial and somewhat ridiculous, but this program demands a lot out of you, and this is just to get by for 1 day. Now, let’s throw in the schedule we had on Friday of last week. Friday morning we had our first written test, that consisted of all the material we had learned from the last 2 weeks. After we were done with the written test, we had our first PT test. It was a stressful day, but the good news; we got to wear PT gear for the remainder of the day. It’s the small things that make me happy.

The written exam wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. I was really worried. To tell the truth, I was more worried about the PT test. I have been working out for months now, getting ready for this academy and I didn’t want to look like…..well a female. Being a female in any male dominated profession is hard and it’s even harder when you have to prove yourself physically to the men.

Well, my reign as the Class Sergeant ended on Friday and I can say I was not too sorry to see it go. Being responsible for the actions or inactions of 40 other people can be a little tough. Okay, at times it can be pretty miserable. For example: on Thursday night before we left for the evening I put out the word for everyone to bring ALL of there gear for PT, which includes hat and gloves. On Friday morning, when we got to the track to run the PT test…well some people decided to do their own thing. That does not bring a team together, when people are doing their own thing. So, it goes without saying, we did our PT test followed by an additional 82 push-ups for individuality. I know for the most part we are coming together; it is just taking some people a little longer to get with the program. Having been in the military for the last 16 years, I have seen this phase of training and it always gets better. Right now, my arms are sore as hell from all the push-ups.

So as we start week 3, we are finally in uniforms. We are wearing black pants with black polo shirts and spit shined boots. We had a formal uniform inspection first thing this morning, which for the most part went well. And as a team, we looked GREAT!!! Finally, we are looking like academy recruits. When you have to actually put on a uniform to go to work everyday, it makes you stand tall and want to look good. I was looking around the room today, thinking “Holy Crap, I am in a police academy”. I guess the nerves have worn off and the realism of this training program has set in.

So the things like what to eat for breakfast and how much time I dedicate to studying may seem trivial…but it is my life now and will be until June 19th. For the people out there, reading these blogs and want to go through this academy I can tell you this….get in shape and be prepared to do some HARD work. This program is no joke and will definitely test you, but if you love it as much as I do and the rest of my classmates do…well then this program is for you.

Push-up test

Sit-up test

1.5 mile run

Time to Get Serious

Week 2, Day 3


Well last week was the get to know you stage, it was a little like the first week of school. Everyone was learning names and getting to hear what type of backgrounds everyone has and what agencies we are all with. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement academy not only trains Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies, but they train police officers and deputies from other local agencies as well. In this academy class we have representatives from Arvada P.D., Wheat Ridge P.D., Douglas and Boulder County Sheriff’s Offices, Avon P.D., Vail P.D. and CU P.D. Yes, CU actually has a police department, who knew.

All of the recruits in the academy have a wide variety of backgrounds and come from all over the country. We have a recruit from Wales, one from Louisiana and then some that were born and raised in Jefferson County. We have people that have just graduated from college, some that were and still are in the military and others who have master’s degrees. Like I said in my last blog we have 41 recruits and out of the 41, there are 8 female recruits. So as you can see it is a diverse group. But we have one thing in common….we all want to be police officers. We have fought hard to get here and we really want to do well. We want to prove that we deserve to be here and in 20 weeks we will graduate and be able to serve the citizens of various communities.

Each week the academy staff picks 2 recruits to be the class sergeant and the assistant class sergeant. In the military we refer to this as “Voluntold”, instead of volunteer. So for this week I was given that honor and it is an honor. But don’t get me wrong, it is not easy. Not only do I have to keep up with my studies, my physical training, but I have to answer to the academy staff. I am the representative for the class and anything that needs to get done or is wrong with the class….well I have to explain to academy staff why it was not accomplished. Yesterday, we did 92 push-ups because as a group we failed to fill out the required class evaluations that are due everyday. So we got down on the ground in our suits and dress clothes and pushed the floor. I think for some it was an eye opener. The academy staff is serious when they say “GET IT DONE

On Monday of this week, we had our first physical training (PT) session. We all assembled at 0800 hours ready to go. Well, almost ready. Monday morning the weather here at the academy was very cold and the winds were gusting, what seemed like hurricane force winds. So we were all dressed in sweats, hats and gloves, with the hopes that the instructors would get lost on their way to PT and it would be cancelled. NO SUCH LUCK!!! So we ran or kind of shuffled into the wind and up and down all the hills the instructors could find, for about an hour. We had some people fall out of formation for one reason or another and we as a group would circle back and pick them up and continue on. WE LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND!! It was a motivating PT session.

I will say this….this class, really knows how to motivate each other and we are coming together as a team. That is good in the eyes of the instructors, but it helps when we are one cohesive unit. We get to know each others strengths and weaknesses, and by doing that, we will be able to help each other through the next 20 weeks and graduate 41 strong. I want to end this blog with a poem I found and one I ready often. It reminds me why I am in this academy and the type of person that I am….I hope it rings true for others.

A Warrior’s Heart
By Anthony W. Busch

As I awake from my slumber,
My mind on my task,
I don my armor,
And walk the warrior’s path.

I am ready to fight;
Not for glory or fame,
And more importantly not to elevate my name.

I do walk this path, each and every day,
My life on the line and it’s not for the pay.

My task is hard and tears I have shed,
For the horrors I’ve seen that are stuck in my head.

But I make you this promise as I begin my quest;
I will protect you and your family and even your guest.

So close your eyes knowing I will do my best,
And know without doubt, tonight you can safely rest.

Please trust in your heart every word I have said.
May I never betray your trust.
I would rather be dead.

For this is my charge and a promise I swore,
Tonight is the night that I shall go to war.

And if I should live to see this day end,
I will rest my head and this pray again…

LORD, watch over my sheep as now I must sleep,
And forgive me my slumber,
My promise I must keep!

God, grant me this wish that when I awake,
Today in their life a difference I will make.

As I awake from my slumber,
My mind on my task,
I don my armor,
Again today, I walk the warrior’s path.