Law enforcement graduates relieve stress for local police
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - The Pocatello Police Department isn't the only local department that has been struggling with a short staff.
“Right now, like many other agencies, we’re down in our numbers, but we’re working on getting that built back up,” said Captain Cliff Kelley of PPD.
So 16 fresh graduates from Idaho State University's Law Enforcement Academy comes as great news for the community.
“It’s a relief. When we’re down anybody, we feel it,” Kelley said.
The graduates will join the ranks of departments in Aberdeen, Blackfoot, Bear Lake, Montpelier, Pocatello and other areas of Idaho.
Pocatello is looking forward to four more patrol officers, including Nicolette Pitcher.
“It feels awesome, it’s surreal. I’m nervous, excited. It’s just a lot of emotions,” Pitcher said.
She'll join the force on Saturday.
“I’m most excited to interact with the community and just be able to help people,” Pitcher said.
Her fellow officers will begin after they go through field training.
“In the next couple months they’ll be ready to go on the road and they’ll add to our ranks,” Kelley said.
Fall 2019 graduating class:
- Talon Campau - Aberdeen Police Department
- Alex Carrasco - Cassia County Sheriff's Office
- Josh Gauna - Pocatello Police Department
- Ahren Kaler - Self-Sponsor Student
- Bryan Krebsbach - Self-Sponsor Student
- Ryan Larsen - Bear Lake County Sheriff's Office
- David Lindsay - Bear Lake County Sheriff's Office
- Maryella Lora - Blackfoot Police Department
- E.J. Norton - Pocatello Police Department
- Taylor Pearson - Blackfoot Police Department
- Anthony Pelley - Self-Sponsor Student
- Treyvn Phelps - Montpelier Police Department
- Nicollette Pitcher - Pocatello Police Department
- Ryen Smith - Pocatello Police Department
- Roberto Torres - American Falls Police Department
- Savannah Wilson - St. Anthony Police Department
