Behind the Badge
For six months, the 53 recruits in Academy Class 156 at the Golden West College Criminal Justice Training Center were subjected to torturous physical conditioning, zapped with Tasers, breathed tear gas, shouted at from multiple directions while standing at attention, and were sleep deprived.
Graduating Golden West College academy recruits, including Orange PD’s David Rudder, Jacob Manlapaz, and Erik Abolmoloki, arrive at Orange Coast College’s Robert B. Moore Theater for the Basic Police Academy Class of 156 graduation ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
They spent hundreds of hours taking notes during lectures. They practiced self-defense and use-of-force techniques, as well as de-escalation of force techniques. They engaged in high speed chases and handled high-tech weapons.
And on March 16, it was all worth it.
Tustin PD Academy Instructor Lt. Manny Arzate congratulates Orange PD Recruit Gracie Melendrez. Orange PD Recruit Jacob Manlapaz is behind her.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
With proud families and friends gathered in the campus, the badges were pinned to the recruits’ uniforms as they were honored with the title of police officer.
“It was grueling, but it is to get us ready for our careers moving forward,” said David Rudder, one of four Class 156 graduates who will embark on their law enforcement careers with the Orange Police Department. “The hours of lack of sleep and the amount of stress applied to us really proved to each and every one of us that we can do it. No matter how much we get knocked down, we can get up and keep going on.”
Cypress PD Academy Instructor Sgt. Scott Ausmus congratulates Orange PD Recruit Jacob Manlapaz. Orange PD Recruit Erik Abolmoloki is behind him.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Serving the citizens of Orange is personal for Rudder, an Orange Lutheran High School graduate who grew up in the city.
“I look forward to giving back to the community that protected me,” he said. “Now I get to protect that community.”
Cypress PD Academy Instructor Detective Cassie Miller, left, congratulates Orange PD Recruit Erik Abolmoloki.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Fellow graduates Erik Abolmoloki, Jacob Manlapaz, and Grace Melendez will join Rudder at Orange PD.
All three agreed with Rudder regarding the intense nature of the academy.
“It was a really good experience to go through (the academy),” Manlapaz said.
Orange PD Recruit David Rudder gives the inspirational prayer at the start of Golden West College Class of 156 Police Academy graduation.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Abolmoloki, who is fully aware of the responsibilities he faces, said the academy prepared him and his fellow graduates well.
He said the academy experience was “humbling.”
“We are kind of the new face of law enforcement and I just take that very seriously,” Abolmoloki said. “It’s a huge honor. It’s an opportunity to turn that image around. Our families are our brothers and sisters in law enforcement.”
Orange PD Recruits Gracie Melendrez, Jacob Manlapaz, and Erik Abolmoloki.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The escalation of anti-police politics, the increased scrutiny law enforcement has been under, and the greater challenges of the job itself make the profession undesirable to many.
“We have chosen to enter a profession that many would not dare undertake,” Class 153 president Joshua Carreto said during the ceremony. “We will not allow ourselves to fail and we will act courageously and protect our communities and community members.”
Orange PD Academy Instructor Sgt. David Natividad welcomes everyone to the Golden West College Class of 156 Police Academy graduation ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Orange PD Recruit David Rudder, front second from right, joins his classmates.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The GWC police academy Class of 156, including Orange PD graduating recruits Gracie Melendrez, Jacob Manlapaz, and Erik Abolmoloki, and Tustin PD graduating recruits Connor Thaete, Glenn Hollingshead, Eduardo Diaz, and Jasmine De Leon, take the oath of office at the conclusion of the Golden West College Class of 156 Police Academy graduation.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Jacob Manlapaz receives his new badge from Orange Police Chief Thomas Kisela.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Jacob Manlapaz hugs his family after receiving his new Orange PD badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Gracie Melendrez receives her new badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
David Rudder receives his new badge from Orange Police Chief Thomas Kisela as OPD’s new recruit.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Gracie Melendrez receives her new badge from Orange Police Chief Thomas Kisela.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Orange PD’s new officer, David Rudder, with his family after receiving his badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Orange PD graduate Jacob Manlapaz receives the Golden West College Firearms Proficiency Award from Orange Police Chief Thomas Kisela.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
