TJC Law Enforcement Academy introduces December grads

Nine cadets recently completed Tyler Junior College‘s 34th Basic Peace Officer Class, graduating in a ceremony held at the Liberty Hall in downtown Tyler. The cadets underwent 21 weeks of training, which included driving exercises and firearms, and are committed to helping their communities, said Doyle Lynch, academy director. “It’s a challenge today in our communities, and they took the challenge, accepted it and excelled at it. And you’ve got nine great young men and women today who are going to serve our community," he said. Class valedictorian was Connor Wallace of Longview Police Department, while Taylor Sipes of Tyler Police Department was named Top Gun. The graduates headed to their East Texas law enforcement agencies include – from left – front row: Braylee Duncan, Longview Police Department; Jon Carlos Garcia, Tyler Junior College Police Department; Connor Wallace, Longview Police Department; Charles Barney, Smith County Sheriff’s Office; Maryna Rodriguez, Smith County Sheriff’s Office; Christopher Blas, Jacksonville Police Department; Mateo De La Cruz, Kilgore Police Department; Taylor Sipes, Tyler Police Department; and William Frerichs, Longview Police Department. Photo courtesy of Tyler Junior College