Behind the Badge
On March 15th the La Habra Police Department celebrated the graduation of four new officers, one of the largest class of recruits for La Habra in recent history. Graduation was the completion of their academy training and now these recruits will transition to their field training program.
“I’m very proud of them,” Capt. Dean Capelletti said. “They have represented the city well and I think that they’re going to bring great things to this department and continue to put a positive light on our police department and community.”
Cassandra Robles, Abigail Fox, Karen Krouse, and Christopher Serna are the newest additions to the La Habra Police Department.
The La Habra Police Department’s four new recruits, Christopher Serna, Cassandra Robles, Karen Krouse and Abigail Fox, from left, applaud other recruits as they wait to walk on stage during a graduation ceremony for Basic Police Academy Class 159 on Friday, March 15, 2019. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
“I’m excited to join this humongous family of law enforcement,” Serna said. “And to be able to go out there and serve my community.”
The four La Habra recruits graduated alongside 28 fellow Class 159 members from other agencies during a ceremony held Friday, March 15 at Orange Coast College.
Along with successfully graduating from the academy for the La Habra Police, Recruit Abigail Fox received special recognition for her excellence in report writing.
La Habra Police Department Recruit Karen Krouse stands with her parents on stage as she accepts her diploma for finishing Basic Police Academy during a ceremony on Friday, March 15, 2019. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
However, just graduating from the academy was a feat all on its own.
“The physical demands of the academy were very difficult,” Fox said. “It was a lot, but we were able to get through it with each other.”
The memories of a challenging academy did not stop the new recruits from sharing their excitement about starting their new careers.
Christopher Serna, one of four new recruits for the La Habra Police Department, stands on stage as his girlfriend attaches a badge to his uniform during a graduation ceremony for Basic Police Academy Class 159 on Friday, March 15, 2019. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
“I’m excited to be a part of the La Habra Police Department,” Krouse said. “I’m excited to help out and become closer with the community while being an example for other women.”
Krouse also gave people wanting to go through the academy some advice:
“It’s physically demanding, but mentally know that you’re stronger. And if you push through, with the support of your peers, you will succeed.”
La Habra Police Department Recruit Abigail Fox stands with her parents on stage as she accepts her diploma for finishing Basic Police Academy during a ceremony on Friday, March 15, 2019. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
This particular graduation is not only memorable for the recruits but for the department as well.
“I can’t remember the last time we graduated four within a class,” Chief Jerry Price said. “All four of them did really well and we are really excited for all of them.”
In addition to being largest class of La Habra Police Department recruits to graduate, three of the four recruits are female.
“They’re very diverse. It’s just refreshing to see this many female officers joining our ranks,” Capelletti said. “It’s a proud moment for them but it’s also a proud moment for us.”
Cassandra Robles, one of four new recruits for the La Habra Police Department, shakes hands with Department Chief Jerry Price as she accepts her diploma for finishing Basic Police Academy during a ceremony on Friday, March 15, 2019. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Members of Golden West College’s Basic Police Academy Class 159 stand at attention as superior officers and other dignitaries inspect them during a graduation ceremony on Friday, March 15, 2019. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
The Laguna Beach Color Guard presents the American flag during the Pledge of Allegiance at the Basic Police Academy Graduation Ceremony on Friday, March 15, 2019. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Members of Golden West College’s Basic Police Academy Class 159 march together as they prepare to enter an auditorium for their graduation ceremony on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Orange Coast College. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Members of Basic Police Academy Class 159 stand and hold up their right hands as they take an oath during a Graduation Ceremony at Robert Moore Theatre at Orange Coast College on Friday, March 15, 2019. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Members of Golden West College’s Basic Police Academy Class 159, including La Habra Recruit Cassandra Robles, stand at attention as superior officers and other dignitaries inspect them during a graduation ceremony on Friday, March 15, 2019. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
