The Stockton Police Department just got a little more active.
Stockton police welcomed 18 new officers to the force Monday, July 19. The graduates of San Joaquin Delta College’s Police Academy are part of the 80 new officers that Stockton Police are hiring this year. You will see these new graduates on the streets in the coming months.
At the ceremony, ABC 10 talked with the new officers and their families about why they wanted to be a police officers, and their take on all the recent incidents involving police.
“I am extremely excited about serving the city of Stockton, and I look forward to the challenges I will face," new recruit Nathan Thalen said.
“I don’t think I fully understand what we’re getting into, but I’ll take it as it comes," Kristina Thalen, a family member of Nathan's, added.
Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones told the group they have a legacy of pride, honor, and professionalism to uphold.
"We are guardians of this community," Jones said.
“We need the community’s help to be able to stop crime or figure things out," new officer Alim Hicks, said. "We can’t do this by ourselves."
“Just wanting to be a part of change, and I see now that I get to be a part of that change," officer John-Joshua Strawder said.
“I wanted to make a difference in the community," officer Sonora Powell added.
Jones noted that the job is challenging. But he told the recruits to let your heart always be reminded that we are here to serve humankind, to protect the weak and innocent and protect human rights."
“The worst it gets the more I fell convicted in that this is the right thing for me to do and that people need help and that I’m going to go out there and do it," officer Jared Macias added.
“The recent events in the past month have everyone concerned, but I’d like to stay positive and think of them as an abnormality," Thaler said.
“I appreciate them giving me the opportunity to serve and I can’t wait to get out there," Strawder added.
“I’m honored to be a part of this wonderful force," Powell said.