Reserve Unit OIC’s Message

Back Where It All Began

To the men and women of the LAPD Reserve Corps, as many of you know, in addition to supporting the wide range of daily operations — everything from patrol and special events to training and qualifications — our unit is also responsible for overseeing the current Reserve Academy class. This means that much of our time has been spent across the Department’s three Academy locations, but primarily at the Ahmanson Recruit Training Center (ARTC).

Having spent nearly all of my career in the field in patrol, I have spent very little time at ARTC since I was a recruit. Returning to the Academy has been an experience filled with reflection on many fond memories. I like to say that the Academy was the most fun thing I’ve ever done that I wouldn’t want to do again. Like all of you, my journey as a police officer started right there — on that same PT field, in those same classrooms. And while it has been nearly 20 years since I wore a recruit uniform, stepping back onto those familiar grounds brought back a flood of memories.

The Academy is where we all started, no matter what path we took afterward. It’s where we learned the foundations of policing, pushed ourselves through physical and mental challenges, and built bonds that, for many of us, still last to this day. Like many of you, I partnered with my Academy classmate when I finished probation, and he’s been my best friend ever since.

Being back at ARTC has reminded me of how powerful that shared experience is. While the facility looks much the same, the training has continued to evolve and improve. It’s been a privilege to watch the newest members of our Reserve Corps take their first steps — just like we did — not just learning the job, but becoming part of something bigger than themselves.

This current class may not be as large as we’d hoped, but what it lacks in numbers, it more than makes up for in quality. These recruits are a remarkable group — dedicated, professional and accomplished. Among them are physician assistants, registered nurses, accountants and small business owners. Each one has chosen to serve, not for pay or recognition, but because they believe in the mission of the Reserve Corps.

As the Reserve Unit OIC, I want to say thank you. Your continued dedication — to the Department, to the communities we serve and to one another — never goes unnoticed. The legacy of the Reserve Corps is written every day by your actions, and it is being carried forward by the next generation who, like you, are choosing service over self.

If I had to choose between quantity or quality, I’d choose quality every time. And in this class — and in this Reserve Corps — we have the best of the best.

Stay safe, and thank you for all you do.