Central Texas College (CTC) Police Academy proudly hosted its 2024 Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) graduation ceremonies on December 13, celebrating the achievements of 29 cadets from the Alpha and Delta classes.

The graduates successfully completed all phases of the program, which includes academics and rigorous physical training. Prior to graduation, the cadets sat for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensing exam, a key step toward becoming certified peace officers in Texas. “We are very proud of the fact that each of the 29 cadets passed the TCOLE licensing exam on the first try, which contributed to a 100% pass rate for the academy in 2024,” said Dr. Michele Carter, Chancellor of Central Texas College.

During the ceremony, several cadets were recognized for outstanding achievements:

Alpha Class Awards:

• Top Gear Award: Christopher D. Lanza, Burnet County Sheriff's Office
• Top Gun Award: Trooper A. Elwonger, Independent
• Honor Graduate: Trooper A. Elwonger, Independent

Delta Class Awards:

• Top Gear Award: Austin M. Quarles, San Saba County Sheriff’s Office
• Top Gun Award: Steven L. Haviland, San Saba Police Department
• Honor Graduate: Richard L. Bannister, Killeen Fire Department

The Alpha class achieved an impressive average score of 93.57, with the highest individual score reaching 97.46. The Delta class maintained an average of 92.48, with its top honor awarded for a score of 97.49.

Graduates of the BPOC Alpha 2024 class include Clifford L. Coleman (Independent), Trooper A. Elwonger (Independent), Jonathan F. Fernandez (Kempner Police Department), Christopher D. Lanza (Burnet County Sheriff's Office), Joseph C. Rogers (Llano County Sheriff's Office), and Adrien I. Vasquez-Misquez (Independent).

The CTC Police Academy's BPOC program prepares cadets for success on the TCOLE licensing exam through a comprehensive curriculum covering 42 subjects, ranging from foundational law enforcement to tactical skills. Graduates earn a certificate of completion and are eligible for 23 college credit hours, which can be applied toward an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Graduates of the BPOC Delta 2024 class include Richard L. Bannister (Killeen Fire Department), Brendon T. Baughman (Killeen ISD Police Department), Kayla D. Cook (Llano County Sheriff's Office), Nicholas A. English (Lampasas County Sheriff's Office), Giselle Espinoza (Killeen ISD Police Department), Brian M. Harris (Killeen ISD Police Department), Steven L. Haviland (San Saba Police Department), Michael B. Hirstius (Williamson County Sheriff's Office), Tobias A. Hitz (Williamson County Sheriff's Office), Douglas R. Landes (Killeen ISD Police Department), Johnathan S. Martin (Killeen ISD Police Department), Cody G. McGehee (Gatesville Police Department), Jacob B. Padgett (Copperas Cove Police Department), Austin M. Quarles (San Saba County Sheriff's Office), Amber M. Riley (Coryell County Sheriff's Office), Dillon K. Sandoval (Taylor Police Department), Michael S. Schell (Marble Falls Police Department), Danielle N. Shea (Killeen ISD Police Department), Jace B. Sims (Coryell County Sheriff's Office), Jimmy S. Torres (Kempner Police Department), Joshua S. Tyner (Independent), Jose F. Velasquez (Independent), and Alex Velez (Williamson County Sheriff's Office).

The Central Texas College Police Academy remains committed to equipping future peace officers with the skills, knowledge, and leadership needed to serve and protect communities across Texas.