Class 15 of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Law Enforcement program was honored during a ceremony Monday, March 9, at the Nampa Civic Center.
Law Enforcement Program Director, Stacy Mowry, began the afternoon by welcoming graduates and guests before inviting attendees to stand as bagpipers led the class into the room. After the presentation of colors, Mowry led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and recognized faculty and staff who help support the program.
“Today we are celebrating a triumph,” Mowry said. “Graduates, today is not your finish line, it’s your foundation. The best officers in the profession never stop learning. They never stop training and they never stop working to be better.”
Mowry also reflected on the months of preparation graduates completed during the academy, from early mornings and long days of classroom instruction to physically demanding training scenarios.
“You’ve been uncomfortable, exhausted, challenged, and pushed to your limits,” Mowry said. “You did not break. You adapted and you grew. The academy has prepared you. Your character now will carry you.”
Following Mowry’s welcome, graduates and guests heard remarks from President Gordon Jones, who recognized the dedication required to pursue a career in law enforcement and the important role officers play in the communities they serve.
“You have chosen one of the most demanding and essential callings in our communities,” Jones said. “You have a chance to model what modern, community-centered policing looks like.”
Retired Officer of the Meridian Police Department, Will Stoy, delivered the keynote address, sharing lessons from his 28-year career in law enforcement.
“Besides integrity, the best advice I can give you is to try not to become cynical,” Stoy said. “Treat every interaction you have as if what you do will make a difference to someone in the future. You won’t remember all of them, but all of them will remember you.”
During the ceremony, graduates shared a Class 15 video highlighting their training experiences before presenting a class gift to the program. While presenting the gift, graduate Kayla Moreno recognized Program Director Mowry and noted that this year marks his final year with the CWI Law Enforcement program.
“These last nine months have been challenging, memorable, and truly an incredible opportunity for all of us,” Moreno said. “This gift is a small token of our appreciation for the time, effort, and dedication you’ve invested in our class.”
Certificates of completion were then presented by Deputy Director Kevin Wittmuss. Graduates were presented with completion certificates, challenge coins, and awards for top achievements:
- Top Driver (Tie) – Addison Dunn, Isaac Nordstrom
- Top Shooter – Isaac Nordstrom
- Top Academic – William “Fisher” Malpass
Two students will also be recognized during CWI’s May Commencement Ceremony for completing their Associate of Applied Science degree:
- Ayeden Jensen
- Isaac Nordstrom
Wittmuss then led the graduates through the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, which ensures that all peace officers are fully aware of their individual responsibilities to maintain their own integrity and that of their agency.
