For Immediate Release: May 12, 2023
OPD NEWS:
191st Basic Recruit Academy Graduation
Today, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) welcomed 18 new officers to the OPD family as members of the 191st Basic Recruit Academy graduated at a ceremony held at the Scottish Rite Center. "As police officers, we are entrusted to guard society, protect people, secure their rights and freedoms, and ensure their quality of life," said Oakland Police Interim Chief Darren Allison.
"I want to congratulate the 18 graduates of the Police Academy today who become new officers and valued members of our Oakland Police Department. The City is grateful for the commitment you’ve shown throughout your time with the academy, which pays off today—and I am even more grateful for the service you will provide to keep our communities safe," said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.
The 191st Academy Class is a diverse group with three females and 15 males; members of the group speak multiple languages, including Spanish, Arabic, and Yoruba. The newly sworn Officers are Habeeb Adefimihan, Tyler Azemar, Usef Balazi, Julian Bickford, Ignacio Cabrera Aldaz, Joanna Estrada, Brenden Farney, Elizabeth Garcia, Daron Gardner, Deandre George, Rhondon Pollard, Jennifer Preciado, William Pritchard, Elias Rodriguez, Michael Roy, Christopher Sims, Alain Trias, and Jose Valdez.
Two officers from the Richmond Police Department also graduated from OPD’s 191st Academy.
The graduates are a welcomed addition to our Oakland family, bringing the department's total to 723 sworn officers.
