Two New YCSO Deputies Are On Board Following NARTA Class 59 Graduation

Published on December 17, 2025

YCSO welcomes our newest deputies, Brandon Lamca and Payten Schmidt, following their graduation from NARTA Class 59 in Prescott on Dec 11th. Two dozen graduates represented 11 law enforcement agencies from northern Arizona.

Class Commander YCSO Lt Daniel Moralez told the capacity crowd at the ceremony at Yavapai College that the 24 graduates of the five-month academy were entering "the greatest profession in the world, one that is honorable and noble, despite how it may be portrayed by some in the media." He told the new law enforcement officers, "Today you take an oath to be a warrior, a peacekeeper, and most importantly, a humble servant." He said the class had spent the 21 weeks "giving everything they had, pouring their heart and soul into it. They sacrificed and they endured." He also thanked the families of the graduates for their own sacrifice to help their loved ones join the ranks of law enforcement.

Prescott Valley Police Chief Robert Ticer, the keynote speaker, told the gathering that to his knowledge, Arizona has the strictest standards in the nation for becoming a law enforcement officer. Chief Ticer, who has more than three decades in the profession, told the graduates, "We exist to protect our community, all of it", and encouraged the class to be humble and kind. "Focus on de-escalation by using your interpersonal skills. I avoided a lot of fights in my career that way. Treat everyone fair and kind. Be nice. It does not make you weak, but it makes you human and approachable." He urged the graduates to show respect to the public they serve and said, "Give them your time, return their calls, take time for them. Humanity and a personal touch are important." Chief Ticer shared the story of being contacted by a man he had arrested years earlier on a charge that sent him to prison, who thanked Ticer for the way he treated him that day, saying it had inspired the man to change his life's path and to restore his family after serving his sentence.

If you would like to start a rewarding career in law enforcement with YCSO, go to www.ycsojobs.com, or call (928) 708-9276. There is a $5,000 hiring bonus for Patrol or Detention Deputies and for 911 Operators.