For Immediate Release October 28, 2022
OPD NEWS:
189th Basic Recruit Academy Graduation
Today, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) welcomed 22 new officers to the OPD family, as members of the 189th Basic Recruit Academy graduated at a ceremony held at the Scottish Rite Center. “Our very legitimacy comes from the support and direction of the communities we serve,” said Oakland Police Chief LeRonne L. Armstrong. “However, trust is built through respectful engagement, consistent communication, and listening to our community. The foundation of our department is rooted in treating people procedurally just, with dignity and respect.”
"The graduates of the 189th today are the authors of the next chapter of policing in Oakland and across America," said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. "I am personally grateful to each and every one of our new Oakland police officers, for they are the individuals who raised their hands and stepped forward in this historical moment as our City forges ahead to become a national model for progressive and professional policing.”
The 189th Academy Class is a diverse group with two females and 20 males; members of the group speak multiple languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, and Cantonese. The Valedictorian for the 189th Academy is Jake Opelski. The newly sworn Officers are Enrique Cruces, Arianna Epperson, Pedro Garibay, Pierre Glass, David Gonzales, Ho Tak Ha, Shaquill Hayes, Charles Lee, Joshua Moore, Thach Nguyen, Christian Orozco, Kevan Peabody, Benjamin Perry, Matthew Porto, Steven Rutherford, Jose Sanchez, Cornelius Savage III, Llomira Silva, Gabriel Smith, Eduardo Valdez, Brandon Wright.
The graduates are a welcomed addition to our Oakland family, bringing the department to 700 sworn officers, our highest number since January of this year.