Forty-four recruits became Henderson police officers Thursday after completing 26 weeks of training at the Henderson Police Academy, marking the largest graduating class in the department's history. Among them were Anthony Rosas and Tiffany Harris, who entered the academy as recruits six months ago.
Harris described the first day as "invigorating" but terrifying, filled with noise, yelling and physical training. Recruits learned to stand at attention, follow commands and master skills ranging from firearms safety to high-risk calls. "You have to be dedicated to this. You have to be disciplined. It's like our model: discipline today, trust in tomorrow. It's that in the essence," Rosas said.
Harris said the class relied on each other through months of studying, working out and sleepless nights. "It's been so much of just studying together, working out, and just sleepless nights. But we did it together, and we were on the other side," she said. On graduation day, Harris reflected on the journey: "So for me to be here at the very end, it shows a lot about tenacity, perseverance, consistency, hard work."
Rosas said he never doubted he would finish. "There was never a doubt, because this is what I want to do, and this is what I chose to do professionally," he said. The new officers now move on to field training, where they will work alongside experienced officers before patrolling independently.
Sources: FOX5 Vegas
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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