Classes 9 and 10 of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Law Enforcement program were recognized during a ceremony, May 6, 2021, at the Nampa Civic Center. LeRoy Forsman, Law Enforcement program Director, began by sharing the program’s mission statement which was followed by presentation of the colors and remarks by Kevin Platts, Director of Public Safety programs.
“I highly salute this year’s candidates on the fantastic job they have done,” said Platts. “Our students receive the highest level of training thanks to professionalism of our staff and our cadre of over 60 instructors from the valley including individuals from state, county, and city who are active-duty law enforcement or recently retired.”
Following his remarks, President Bert Glandon addressed the graduates expressing his gratitude to them as they embark on their careers.
The keynote speaker at this year’s ceremony was Sergeant Jim Love, who retired from Idaho State Police in 2017 after nearly 30 years of service. As the graduates prepare to embark on careers in law enforcement, Love advised them to have fun and enjoy what you do, learn to let it go, leave work at work, and refrain from an ‘us against them’ mentality.
Forsman concluded the ceremony by encouraging graduates to provide the best service possible, always work to be better and improve, put their families first, be positive and flexible, think before they speak, be smart, and be an example.
“Remember, we will step up and be a warrior when we must,” said Forsman, “but our job every day is to be a guardian. I challenge you to be guardians for your community… I know that you will go out and make a difference and know that we are proud of you.”