NINE NEW DEPUTIES JOIN YCSO AFTER GRADUATION FROM ACADEMY

Published on December 18, 2024

YCSO has nine new deputies following their graduation from Class 57 of the Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy (NARTA) in Prescott on December 12. YCSO had the most graduates of the ten law enforcement agencies represented at the ceremony.

In his keynote speech to a packed auditorium at the Fine Arts Center at Yavapai College, YCSO Chief Deputy Jeff Newnum, a graduate of the first ever NARTA class years ago, said, "We are celebrating new members of our law enforcement family. These men and women should be celebrated as true servants who have chosen a noble and honorable path." As an illustration of what it means to be in law enforcement, he quoted an Old Testament scripture: "The wicked flee when no man pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." Newnum said the law-abiding citizens of local communities, when they see law enforcement personnel, feel pride, comfort and peace. But the lawbreakers should see something different, someone who will surely bring them to justice. 

The Chief Deputy told the gathering, "We seek to recruit men and women who have a deep sense of purpose built into their character, who will persevere and strive for truth and honor every day. It's been said life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose." Newnum also told the graduates and their friends and family in attendance, "We don't get to fully experience the fruits of our labor. We don't see the comfort provided by the blue and red flashing lights and the officers who responded to the home of that child hiding under their bed as the parents are involved in domestic violence. We don't get to visit with the families who were spared tragedy and grief (from a potential accident) after we took a drunk driver off the road." 

Another speaker, Academy Sergeant Stephen Berry of YCSO, told the graduates, "This isn't your victory alone but also one for your families, for their sacrifice and dedication to support your goal. My final words of wisdom to you are to cling to your faith, push your body to the limit, and remain vigilant."

YCSO graduate Gabriel Young received two NARTA Class 57 awards for Physical Fitness and Academics. The other eight new YCSO deputies are Justine Amado, James Diethrich, Kevin Kerber, Ethan Kim, Hunter Lamca, Casey Santorelli (part of a duet that sang the National Anthem at the ceremony), Olivia Theige, and Steven Tobin.

If you are interested in a rewarding career with YCSO, you may go to ycsojobs.com or call (928) 708-9276.