Sheriff Jim McDonnell | LASD Photos

A total of 68 polished recruits lined up in formation this morning outside the Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons awaiting final inspection before their formal conversion from recruits to California peace officers during their graduation ceremony.

Academy Class No. 414, which is made up of 51 male and 12 female deputy sheriffs, as well as 5 male police officers from Glendale College, City of Glendale and City of Santa Paula Police Departments, graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Biscailuz Center Training Academy in Los Angeles during ceremonies held on Friday, Aug. 12, at College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center.

Mayor Bob Kellar, City of Santa Clarita, delivered inspirational remarks to the graduates and their guests. After receiving their California Peace Officer and Standard Training (P.O.S.T.) Certificates, the graduates were officially sworn in as California peace officers by Sheriff Jim McDonnell.

Santa Clarita Mayor Bob Kellar

In a special segment of the ceremony, Recruit Chad Ernsdorf, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was named Honor Recruit. This award is given to the recruit who achieves the highest numerical average based upon leadership qualities, academics, marksmanship, and physical performance throughout the training period. Recruit Thomas Earley, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was named Academic Recruit for graduating with the highest academic scores.

Each class of recruits processed through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Biscailuz Center Training Academy brings together a collection of unique aspects, qualities and experiences. One example of such is that out of the 68 graduating recruits from Academy Class #414, 23 speak a language other than English. They speak Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Hindi, Punjabi and American Sign Language.

Chad Ernsdorf is named Honor Recruit

In addition to the social enrichment and mindfulness: 10 recruits bring to LASD from their life experiences of living abroad; 19 recruits carry with them substantial education with Bachelor’s degrees and higher learning in: Sociology, Criminology, Non Profit Management, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Graphic Design, Law and Society, Marketing, Communications, Economics, Music and Deaf Studies; 15 recruits served in the military; 10 have previous experience in law enforcement and 26 have family members in law enforcement.