The new crew

Mark Luna joined the Odessa Police Department because he grew up in a family of law enforcement. On Friday, his family was on hand to watch the department swear him in.

A healthy crowd filled the council chambers as cameras and camera phones and cameras on tripods flashed and clicked to record the transfer of 11 badges from a wooden podium to the chests of Odessa’s newest protectors. Those present included city manager Richard Morton, city councilman Royce Bodiford and several veteran police officers in uniform. Most, however, were family members of the new officers.

Wives, children and fathers stepped to the front of the chamber to attach the badges to their loved ones, some kissing, some shaking hands, some having trouble with the pinning, but all got it done.

"Family support is the best support," said Luna, married with two children.

Of the 11 new officers, eight were hired by the city before they began their training, two went through the training on their own before deciding to join and one transitioned from working for the city’s animal control division. They were as young as 21 and old as 45, but they all graduated the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy, and Friday they all wore the same uniforms as probationary officers.

Theodore Yelley, 45, a San Francisco native who has lived in Odessa for 20 years, described the training the cadets just finished as "grueling."

"But OC was a great training facility," Yelley said.

Odessa Police Chief Tim Burton called the event "a true celebration."

"Any time that we introduce new police officers into the department and into the community, it’s a cause for celebration because police work is a noble effort," Burton said. "We’re very proud of this group of police officers."

Burton praised the recruits as men of honesty and courage for their willingness to sacrifice and thanked those in the room for their patience.

"It’s demanding in terms of the toll that it takes physically and emotionally, not only on the officers but on the members of their family," Burton said of being an officer.

Jesus Aranda, 27, is a family man and father of five children.

"I’m blessed and honored," said Aranda, as he beamed with a smile from ear to ear. "I like to protect and serve. I’m looking forward to it."

Fellow recruit 21-year-old Jorge A. Amezola is also ready for the new challenge.

"This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time," Amezola said. "It feels great to help people."

Odessa Police Cpl. Sherrie Carruth said the 11 still have to complete their field training, riding with another police officer, to be completely finished, and washouts still do happen.

But, she said, the department is "well on its way" to being fully staffed compared to previous years.

This is the final graduating class of the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy, which closed down after the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education Board revoked its license due to the academy narrowly missing the minimum pass rate for the academy’s peace officer and correctional programs. The program had 93 graduating classes since 1983. The Odessa Police Department has made plans to open its own police academy, which could begin as early as this fall.

THE RECRUITS

 Jorge A. Amezola                 
Jorge is 21 years old and was born in Santa Ana, CA and raised in Madera, CA. Jorge is married to wife Alejandra. Jorge graduated from Madera High School and is a 2010 graduate of the 93rd session of the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy. Jorge began his career with the Odessa Police Department in August of 2009.

Jesus Aranda                   
Jesus is 27 years old and was born and raised in Andrews, TX.  Jesus is married and they have five children. Jesus graduated from Andrews High School and is a 2010 graduate of the 93rd session of the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy. He began his career with the Odessa Police Department in June of 2009.

Thomas G. Anderson     
Thomas is 31 years old and was born and raised in Newport News, VA. Thomas is married and they have two children. Thomas graduated from Menchville High School and is a 2010 graduate of the 93rd session of the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy. He began his career with the Odessa Police Department in July of 2009.

Arthur J. Frederick                 
Arthur is 36 years old and was born in Andrews, TX and   raised in Hobbs, NM.  Arthur is married and has five children. Arthur attended Hobbs High School and is a 2010 graduate of the 93rd session of the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy. He began his career with the Odessa Police Department in February of 2010.  
       
Carlos A. Hernandez     
Carlos is 43 years old and was born in Piedras Negras, Mexico and raised in Odessa, TX.  Carlos is married and they have three children.  Carlos graduated from Odessa High School and is a 2010 graduate of the 93rd session of the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy.  He began his career with the Odessa Police Department in June of 2009.
       
Royal P. Hopper               
Royal is 29 years old and was born in Odessa, TX and raised in Hobbs, NM.  Royal is married and they have one child.  Royal graduated from Hobbs High School and is a 2010 graduate of the 93rd session of the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy.  He began his career with the Odessa Police Department in August of 2009.

Matt Maxwell                
Matt is 23 years old and was born and raised in Odessa, TX.  Matt is married to wife Kayla. Matt graduated from Odessa High School and is a 2010 graduate of the 93rd session of the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy. He began his career with the Odessa Police Department in February of 2009.
 
Jeremy M. Seago              
Jeremy is 33 years old and was born in Canyon, TX and raised in Snyder and Odessa, TX.  Jeremy is married and they have one child. Jeremy graduated from Permian High School and is a 2010 graduate of the 93rd session of the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy. He began his career with the Odessa Police Department in June of 2009.  

Mike Troglin                             
Mike is 45 years old and was born in Hot Springs, AR and raised in Odessa, TX.  Mike is married and they have three children.  Mike graduated from Permian High School and is a 2010 graduate of the 93rd session of the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy. He began his career with the Odessa Police Department in January of 2010.

Theodore Yelley                
Theodore is 45 years old and was born in San Francisco, CA and raised in South San Francisco, CA. Theodore is married and they have three children. Theodore graduated from South San Francisco High School and is a 2010 graduate of the 93rd session of the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy. He began his career with the Odessa Police Department in July of 2009.

Mark Luna                    
Mark is 36 years old and was born and raised in Odessa, TX.  Mark is married and they have two children. Mark graduated from Odessa High School and is a 2009 graduate of the 92nd session of the Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy. He began his career with the Odessa Police Department in December of 2007.