LOS ANGELES AIRPORT POLICE SWEARS IN TWO POLICE OFFICERS RANKED TOP CADETS IN THEIR ACADEMY CLASS

(Los Angeles, California – January 27, 2014)  Graduation ceremony held at the Los Angeles Police Academy at Elysian Park marked the start of a career with the Los Angeles Airport Police Division for Officers Jasmin Mendez-Chavez and Ignacio Romo.

Among the 25 graduates of Class 8-13, Officer Mendez-Chavez, the Class President, delivered the graduation speech. Mendez-Chavez ranked second overall in academics. Officer Romo, the Class Treasurer, ranked number one overall in academics as well as number one for Report Writing. The remaining 23 graduates went on to jobs with the Los Angeles Police Department.

Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Patrick M. Gannon performed the swearing-in of the new officers saying, “I am very proud of Officers Mendez-Chavez and Romo for the exceptional commitment they have shown during their time at the academy. Both have demonstrated great leadership ability and their high rankings are evidence that hard work and dedication is rewarded. I am proud to welcome them to the ranks of the Airport Police Division. I commend them on their accomplishments.”

Los Angeles Airport Police Officer Adela Lopez, the lead Drill Instructor (DI) the entire six month training for Class 8-13, led the 25 recruits from the initial marching point onto the academy graduating grounds for the commencement of the ceremony. Also in attendance were Deputy Executive Director Arif Alikhan, Assistant Chiefs Michael Hyams and Ethel McGuire, Captains Greg Staar and Tyrone Stallings, Lieutenant Edward Trahanand a host of other Airport Police personnel. 

           Both officers Mendez-Chavez and Romo are expected to complete a six-month Field Training Program specific to airport law enforcement under the guidance of a field training officer before being assigned to the Patrol Services Section.

The Los Angeles Airport Police Division is the nation's premier aviation law enforcement agency with more than 1,100 specially trained police officers, security officers, and civilian staff protecting Los Angeles International, LA/Ontario International, and Van Nuys airports.

From left to right: Los Angeles Airport Police Captain Greg Staar, Assistant Chief Michael Hyams, Officers Ignacio Romo and Jasmin Mendez-Chavez, Assistant Chief Ethel McGuire, Chief Patrick M. Gannon and Captain Tyrone Stallings.

Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Patrick M. Gannon as he performed the swearing-in of the new officers

Photographs Courtesy Airport Police Officer Darrius Lewis