BEAUMONT, Texas — Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) held it's graduation ceremony for 32 cadets who are now able to take a big step toward becoming police officers.
The cadets are excited to protect and serve the Southeast Texas community. Even though they graduated the hard work doesn't stop there, according to the cadets.
They will spend the next three days studying for their upcoming basic peace officers licensing exam. Those who already have a job lined up will be officially sworn in.
"It's a good feeling. It took a lot of hard work and sacrifice but we're finally here," said Cadet Sean Stevenson.
All of the graduating cadets, including Stevenson and Michael Riley share the same goal, to become police officers.
"We have a lot of crime and violence, we need people to step up and curve that," Stevenson said.
LIT prepared these cadets to eventually work as an officer anywhere in the State of Texas.
"The training that we provide them here, once they take licensing exam they can go to work anywhere in the State of Texas as a police officer," said LIT Regional Police Academy Assistant Director Michael Nixon.
Nixon is proud of the cadets who have endured the 720 hour course.
"I'm 19 years in law enforcement and to know that this many people are still interested in continuing a career I've worked hard to build is refreshing," he said.
28 of the 32 cadets already have jobs.
"Some of the cadets you see behind me are hired by local agencies and given a job. Their job is to come here and attend class all day, and they're getting a check while they're here," Nixon said.
Riley will be working with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office as a patrol officer.
"Sixth grade was when we picked our career paths in school and law enforcement was the one I picked, and I've been on it since. Today feels like a big accomplishment," said Riley.
Stevenson is looking forward to protecting and serving with the Beaumont Police Department.
"I have to study pretty hard the next three days for my test on Thursday. Once I pass that then I'll get sworn in, then orientation, then I'll hit the streets eventually," he said,
While the cadets could work anywhere in the state, they're excited to serve the people in Southeast Texas.