SAPD to Host Graduation and Promotion Ceremonies

Nine cadets are set to graduate from the San Angelo Police Department Academy.

On Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, at 3 p.m., the San Angelo Police Department’s Basic Police Officer Class 2015-A will participate in a graduation and swearing in ceremony at the SAPD Police Academy, 3373 FM HWY 584.

The nine graduates who will be sworn are: Maryan Cade, Nicholas Franchuk, Thomas Gibson, Travis Gonzales, Long Nguyen, Brad Howarth, Joe Mata, John Southwell and Chase Hill.

The cadets successfully completed an extensive 1,070-hour academy learning basic law enforcement skills and a multi week in-service course. Following graduation, the cadets will become Apprentice Police Officers (APOs) and will be assigned to a 17-week police training program.

The police training program is designed to teach the APOs how best to use the skills acquired in the academy and in-service training.

Immediately following the graduation and swearing in ceremony, there will be a promotion ceremony for Officer Craig Thomason. Officer Thomason will be promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Officer Craig Thomason was hired by the San Angelo Police Department on April 11, 2008. Officer Thomason is a member of the SAPD SWAT team and has worked as a patrol officer and a detective. Officer Thomason has 2,483 training hours and holds an Advanced Peace Officer License.

The ceremonies are open to the public.