The Class 191 Guidon bears this motto:
“Never Afraid, First to Attack, Nothing Can Break the Strength of the Pack”
Photos by Professional Services Responder Randy Frager
The 17 graduates included seven from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, four from the Santa Monica Police Department, two from the Newport Beach Police Department, and one each from the Irvine Police Department, the Vernon Police Department, Santa Ana College and the U.S. Navy.
“As we go forth in our careers we will strive to be the best, as you have taught us. We will never go down without a fight because of the training that you and the other county instructors have provided us,” said Class President Kevin McInerney, a Santa Monica Police Officer.
The class training began on May 18 and since then seven class members dropped out.
“The unprepared, the unfit for duty and the weak are no longer here. Recruits who will graduate this evening deserve to be here, you have made sure of that,” said Officer McInerney.
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens introduced the hundreds of Class 191 supporters to retired Orange County Sheriff’s Captain Catherine Zurn, who headed training at the Department before her recent retirement. She is a graduate of the FBI leadership academy and a nationally recognized expert on Homeland Security.
Retired Captain Zurn told those assembled that 30 years ago to the day, she had just completed her first week of training at the OCSD Academy, then located at the Katella Facility in Orange.
“I’ve seen such changes as the installation of computers and digital cameras in patrol vehicles, batons and .38 revolvers to less lethal and semi-automatic weapons. We went from reactive policing to community oriented proactive policing,” she said.
Much has stayed the same, such as the integrity and character expected of those who serve in law enforcement.
Retired Captain Catherine Zurn with Tactical Staff
“Be true to yourself,” retired Captain Zurn said.
"Each day you must decide what kind of police officer you will be. The end results of truth and choices you make will make a difference in who and what you are. It is a personal choice to adhere to principles to a job that is sometimes unpredictable, in conflict with the community and challenges or changes things that are beyond your control.”
She added that, “We recognize the badge as a symbol of public trust.
Our personal and professional lives are woven together.
Maintain integrity in all aspects of your lives.
Character is what guides every officer in those moments of truth and choice.
Don’t just look for a way to move up in the organization but look for a way to make a difference.
People look up to you, respond to you and listen to you. You have influence so use it wisely.
Don’t just be great officers, be great people."
Navy Petty Officer Joseph Mosich with supporters
"In this career, every single day you have the ability to protect the weak and the vulnerable. And you will. Every day you have the chance to fight crime and foster hope, and you should. And every single day you will be called upon to be courageous and a leader. And you must. "
Law enforcement officers must balance their professional and personal lives.
“Balance is key.”
And love
“It is important to love what you do.
Love those you serve and love those who serve alongside you.
Many officers shy away from the word love in relation to what you do.
I urge you to embrace it and remember it’s important in everything you do.”
Class 191 by the numbers:
1 active duty Navy petty officer, Joseph Mosich, in graduating class.
2 former Sheriff’s Special Officers in graduating class, Deputies Austin Jones and Amy Lindquist.
3 Deputy Sheriffs who held honorary positions in the class, Squad Leaders Gilbert Dorado, Amy Lindquist and Bradley Templeton.
4 Santa Monica Police Department graduates.
5 Police agencies with graduates in the class, OCSD and city police departments of Irvine, Newport Beach, Santa Monica and Vernon.
6 miles run along Huntington Beach shoreline in traditional Hot Dog run. The last time they ran as a class.
7 Deputy Sheriff’s among graduates
13 Bachelor degrees
17 graduates
23 learning domains taught at the academy
24 recruits started with the class
25 weeks of class training
30 years of public service by retired Captain Catherine Zurn
50 physical training sessions
93.37 percent grade earned by Deputy Antonio Lomeli in winning class Practical Applications Award.
96.45 percent grade earned by Deputy Gilbert Dorado in winning class Communications award.
100 miles run as a class by Class 191
140 years – combined law enforcement experience of class Tactical Staff
169 days from first day of training for Class 191 to last day, November 2.
250 dollars donated to Project 999 to support survivors of peace officers killed in the line of duty.
944 hours of training completed by Class 191
1250 dollars donated by class members to various charitable causes
5,000 rounds fired in handgun and shotgun training