Meet the Cadets

Kevin Martinez:

I am interested in the SFPAL Law Enforcement Cadet program to learn more about the SFPD. I would like to be a police officer when I get older. I learned about this program from a State Trouper, he told me about it and he gave me an application. I’m really thankful for that because I think this program will help me to become a police officer, to be a better citizen and to have a good future for my family and me.

Umair Khan:

I am 18 years old and I just graduated from George Washington High School. I was born in San Francisco and I have two older sisters. I am currently employed at Jamba Juice, I love working with cars and driving them but I want to become a San Francisco Police Officer so I can help people. I’ve been a SFPAL cadet for more than 2 years and my current rank is a Field Training Officer.

Margine Martinez:

I enjoyed the SFPAL Law Enforcement Cadet Academy because becoming a Police Officer is something I’ve always thought about. I learned of the program from an officer from San Francisco State and I think it’s a good opportunity for me. I have been in the United States for 5 years now and it’s been a challenge for me to learn a new language. I want to continue to do my best to make my parents proud of me and to become somebody that I always thought of. My goal for this year is to finish my senior year and leave the Bart City Basketball Team on top of my game because it’s been very important to me since my Freshman year.

Carlos Celedon:

I am 19 years old and I currently hold the rank of sergeant in the SFPAL Law Enforcement Cadet Program. I have been in the program for almost 3 years. What got me involved in the program was through a friend and ever since then I have attended the meetings. I’m involved in the Cadet program because I want to become an SF Police Officer. I am also involved so I can learn about the ethics of being a police officer and working in the department. The activity that we participate in is different every day – from learning how to write police reports to physical training and defensive tactics. It’s always interesting and I’ve learned a lot. I especially like to put what I’ve learned to use when we do scenarios.

This program is a great stepping stone for anyone that wants to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. If not it is a great skill builder even if you do not want to become a police officer. You learn discipline, teamwork and commitment. Being in the Cadet program brings me one step closer to my goal of being a police officer. I’ve learned a lot that I will use in the future.

Sean Liu:

I am 17 years old and I just graduated from Galileo High School. I was born and raised in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood. People that influenced me were Fred Lau, Heather Fong and Jeff Adachi because I can somehow relate to each of them. The reason that I am involved in the Cadet program is that I want to learn skills that will help me later on in life. I heard about the program when I was reading Chief Heather Fong’s biography online. My future goals are to get a degree in criminal justice and psychology then apply for a law enforcement agency. The Cadet program has taught me a lot about the law and how law enforcement works. I hope to help the community with the knowledge I’ve gained.

Christopher Fung:

I am 18 years old and I attend College of San Mateo for administration of justice classes. Ia am in the Cadet program because I feel it will give me my prior experience before I am old enough to pursue a law enforcement career. I hope to one day work for the FBO and I feel this program is very educations to the youth who are interested in law enforcement because of the extensive training I’ve received. I enjoy the people in the program and the positive law enfoece3ent influence I get each time I go to the training facility. The program ahs helped me learn about law enforcement that my college courses couldn’t teach me. I mostly enjoy the hands on training we get with simulations that might occur when you’re on patrol. I feel this program is helpful to my career and for anyone else interested in the law enforcement field.

Elizabeth Perez:

I became interested in the Cadet program after talking to my Uncle who told me about a similar program in his community. I asked the School Resource Officer at my school – International Studies Academy – if there was a program in San Francisco and he brought me an application. I’ve been in the program for 2 ½ years and I’ve participated in many events such as: Isaac Espinoza’s memorial service, “Every 15 minutes”, Firemass and I’ve had much experience with community service. This program has taught me a lot and I’ve learned about rules and regulations and what it’s like to be a police officer.