On June 30th, Chief Scott and his Command Staff swore in the SFPAL’s 8th Cadet Academy Class of 2017. Elian Medrano; son of SFPAL’s own Sabine Medrano, beautifully played the National Anthem on his flute during the opening ceremonies. Chief Scott acknowledged former PAL Cadet Diana Contreras for her successes who recently graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army and graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Lieutenant Contreras is an inspiration to us all. Sgt. Gerald Newbeck, Lieutenant Contreras’ former PAL mentor, was present to support her today as he has for many years.

Police Commissioner Julius Turman gave the opening remarks to the graduating class and welcomed them into the SFPD Family. Assistant Chief Chaplin presented the Academic Achievement Award to Cadet Jason Chan. D.C. Redmond presented the Physical Fitness Awards to Cadets Damon Wu and Mireya Reyes. D.C. Perea presented the Annual Captain Raymond White Scholarship award to Cadet Sergeant Hunter Padilla. Chief Scott presided over the SFPAL Oath of Office and the “Not on my Watch” Oath to the graduating Cadets.

This graduation was an especially proud moment for several of our SFPD members (both retired and active) as their own sons and daughters graduated from the PAL Cadet Academy as they had years prior. Cmdr. Daniel Perea pinned the star on his son; Michael Perea. Lt. Robert Yick pinned his stepson; Ethan Keeling. And Ofc. Leslie Tom (Ret.) pinned his daughter; Kristen Tom.

Twenty new PAL Cadets graduated from SFPAL’s Cadet Academy and now have joined the SFPD’s extended family. Congratulations and good luck!

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