YPD graduates second Hispanic citizens academy class

Thirteen Yuma residents were honored recently as the second graduating class of the Yuma Police Department's Hispanic Citizens Police Academy.

Family, friends and instructors took part in the ceremony, with Yuma Police Deputy Chief Susan Otero congratulating the participants and presenting them with a small token of appreciation. Master Police Officer Cruz Vidal presented them their certificates.

The graduates were Salvador Aviles, Angelica Fregoso-Deranick, Bertha Nevarez, Gabriela Patricia Pinzon, Ma A Vera, Rafael Castillo, Gissel Domínguez, Angeles Gutierrez, Jose Jimenez, Leticia Perez, Blanca Saldana, Arturo Salgado and Juan M. Torres.

Over the course of the seven-week academy, participants received Spanish-language classroom instruction modeled after the curriculum of an actual police academy. Topics of three-hour classes every Wednesday and hands-on instruction included an overview of police functions from patrol, traffic laws and criminal investigations.

The Citizens Police Academy is part of a continuing program to develop citizen awareness and understanding of the role of law enforcement and is designed for citizens of all backgrounds and occupations.

For several years, YPD has offered a citizens academy, but it began accepting applications for a Hispanic academy last year to forge closer ties with the Spanish-speaking community.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.