Family, friends, officers and local dignitaries gathered at the La Habra City Hall to watch as one of La Police Department’s largest groups of recruits were sworn in on Tuesday, March 19.
“It’s quite an occasion that we get to bring on four new officers because I can’t remember in my history ever having four coming out of the academy,” Chief Jerry Price said. “With three being women officers, that’s something different for us and we are very excited. It’s quite an accomplishment for all of you.”
The new hires were tasered, pepper sprayed, and did countless pushups during their 6 months at the police academy.
“At your graduation last week, the director of the academy came up singing praises of all you,” Price said. “It was very nice to hear that and it’s great to see all the hard work that you guys have been putting in as you’re getting ready to start your law enforcement careers.”
The La Habra Mayor, Jim Gomez also offered his congratulations to the new officers.
“I’m so happy that we have four wonderful individuals joining our department, I have no doubt that they are going to do great things for the community,” Gomez said before sharing his advice: “Remember to remain connected to the community and don’t lose heart over the years as to why you got involved in law enforcement.”
Before offering the new officers’ families’ tours of the station, Price told the officers to “go out there, make a difference, be part of this community, and help people be safe by providing great service.”
The new La Habra officers are:
Cassandra Robles
Robles recently graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, where she earned her B.A. degree in sociology. Before joining the La Habra Police Department, she worked as a police cadet for the Fullerton Police Department. Several officers from the Fullerton Police Department came to the swearing-in to support her in addition to her family.
Karen Krouse
Krouse graduated from Montclair State University in New Jersey where she earned her B.S. degree in business administration. Krouse was born and raised in New Jersey but now lives in Irvine.
Abigail Fox
Fox graduated from California State University, Fullerton, where she earned her B.A. degree in criminal justice. Before joining the La Habra Police Department, she worked as a community service officer for the California State University Police Department.
Christopher Serna
Serna was born in La Habra and grew up in Brea. Before joining the La Habra Police Department, he worked as a cadet in the traffic division of the Placentia Police Department.