CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Officer Samantha Lopez is the first ever Falfurrias Police Department Cadet graduate from the Del Mar College Regional Police Academy.
Falfurrias Police announced the graduation and pinning ceremony last Friday. Lopez is their first law enforcement personnel to complete the department's first ever Cadet Training Program.
Just last October, Falfurrias Chief of Police William Barton told 3NEWS that his department was struggling to hire new recruits. At the time, only 13 officers, including himself, were on staff.
The department says that cadets must excel through the academic aspects of the 6-month academy in addition to completing courses that cover 165 days of defensive tactics and procedures, including driving and shooting practices.
Barton told our Michael Gibson that having more officers would help mitigate the spread of drugs on local roadways.
Falfurrias PD says that the program's goals are to assist prospective recruits through the academy while maintaining employment through successful completion of the program.
Chief Barton said in a Facebook post that he had the honor of pinning Officer Lopez and that he is extremely proud to have shared the experience with her and her fellow officers, family and colleagues.
Congratulations to Officer Samantha Lopez!
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