WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer honored and congratulated the Navajo Nation Police Training Academy Class 56, comprised of 12 young and determined Navajo Police Officer recruits, who received their Navajo Nation police badges during a graduation ceremony Sept. 24, at Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock, Ariz. Each of the 12 officers successfully completed the 25-week police academy training.
The Navajo Police Academy, located in Chinle, Ariz. has prepared five recruit classes that uphold respect, self-discipline, accountability, academic achievement, integrity, and professionalism. Class 56 completed challenging training in academics, physical and mental conditioning, communications, and firearms. The academy also integrates Diné Fundamental Law, as well as state and federal laws, into the training curriculum.
Nez congratulated the new police officers and their families and thanked them for their commitment to serve the Navajo Nation during the graduation ceremony.
“We congratulate and commend the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and the Navajo Police Department for supporting and preparing the new officers,” he said. “I am confident they will serve and protect our communities well.
“Thank you for taking on this difficult challenge and serving our people,” Nez said.
The 12 police officer recruits took the oath of honor administered by District Court Judge Cynthia Thompson, while their loved ones participated in pinning on their Navajo Police Department badges. The 12 Navajo Nation recruits include:
• Elijah McCoy - Kayenta District
• William Smith - Dilkon District
• JC Roan - Chinle District
• Davin Watchman - Window Rock District
• Caitlin Morris -Dilkon District
• Anthony Lasiloo - Window Rock District
• Siebert Vandever - Crownpoint District
• Shane Davis - Tuba City District
• Tulley Lincoln - Window Rock District
• Kerneil Nih - Crownpoint District
• Gilbert Rogers Jr. - Kayenta District
• Kevin Charley - Chinle District
Also, in attendance was Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety Executive Director Jesse Delmar, Navajo Chief of Police Phillip Francisco, Deputy Chief of Police Daryl Noon, 24th Navajo Nation Council Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton who chairs the Law and Order Committee, and Miss Navajo Nation Niagara Rockbridge.
The 12 police officers will start their duty as Navajo police officers within their designated districts immediately.
