New Police Training Program Graduates 14 Teens

Following 10 weeks of marching, test taking and lectures, 14 students from high schools throughout the county have become the first graduates of a new law-enforcement training program called Cops N Jocks Youth Academy.

In a keynote speech Friday night, Port Hueneme Police Chief Stephen Campbell told graduates they had taken a good first step toward becoming peace officers. He urged graduates to be ethical and tolerant in pursuit of their goals, said Rich Randolph, founder of Cops N Jocks.

Campbell also read a statement from state Atty. Gen. Dan Lungren, who commended cadets on their career hopes but also noted that the path to becoming a police officer was long.

“I was very impressed with the class and I am looking forward to the next,” Randolph said.

More than 90 parents, police dignitaries, educators and friends attended the event at the Harbortown Marina Resort ballroom, Randolph said.

Special honors went to Juan Melgoza of Santa Paula High School, who received awards for being the outstanding cadet, achieving academic excellence and the best attendance record.

Rio Mesa High School student Paul Almanza and Charity Wing of Camarillo High School were recognized for executing the best traffic stop during outdoor practice sessions; St. Bonaventure High School student Brian Conley was named the cadet with the best traits.

Other graduates were Torrey Anderson of Moorpark High School, Myra Perez and Daniel Stone of Rio Mesa, Edward Martinez of Fillmore High School, Juan Castillo of Santa Paula High School, Kris Robillard of St. Bonaventure, Armando Rangel and Jason Colby of Carpinteria High School, Kenton Spiegler of Thousand Oaks High School and Danny Meza of Santa Clara High School.