We wanted to introduce our three new police officer trainees who finished a 21 week long police academy at the Jefferson County Combined Regional Academy in January. At the academy they studied topics, such as: law, arrest procedures, liability and de-escalation to name a few. Colorado Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) has a set criteria of what each individual must study and pass in order to become certified as police officers in the State of Colorado. This was no easy feat as in the midst of their training, they had to switch to online training due to COVID.
Our trainees join three lateral officers who came to the Westminster Police Department from other agencies, along with three new recruit officers who started the academy in late January.
The trainees spent two weeks in our in-house academy, learning Westminster policy and procedures, before entering into field training.
Over the next several months we will bring you updates on their training and progress, and explain the steps and requirements it takes to become a police officer.
Katelyn Peters
I decided I wanted to be a police officer at a young age because I grew up in a law enforcement family. To become a police officer has been something I have strived for since then. I wanted to become a police officer because I want to be a role model for my community. I aspire to be the officer that a kid can look at and say, “That’s who I want to be when I grow up” just like I was able to. Further, I want to help and protect my community while making a positive impact. I truly believe that being a police officer is a calling and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Jose Granados
As a previous English and Spanish teacher in Europe, and then a Child Protection Caseworker for Adams County, I had the privilege of working with communities and individuals from varied backgrounds with different needs and goals. I want to become a police officer to apply these experiences when working with my community, and do what I can to meet their needs by serving and protecting. I look forward to expanding my professional experience and working toward my personal goals, while helping others and making an impact on a daily basis.
Stephanie Heineman
Even since high school I have thought about getting into law enforcement. After I attended a mini academy for high school students after graduating high school I had no doubt I could pursue this dream and do it to my best ability. I was able to obtain my bachelor’s degree from Metro State University in hospitality and event management and as most people do, I tried my best to land a career within my degree field. After a couple years I knew no matter how hard I tried it wasn't the right choice. I attended a two day course for women in law enforcement which ultimately made up my mind in finally achieving my high school dream, as I knew this is what I was meant to do. Throughout my work experience I have not stepped foot into law enforcement until now but have no doubt that my prior work experience will be a huge benefit and play to my advantage. I am honored to be a part of Westminster for many reasons but one of the biggest is that I am a third generation first responder in my family for the City of Westminster and am excited to keep a running family tradition alive. Law enforcement gives me the opportunity to impact the world around me, as well as, the people I interact with in a positive direction which will also give me the overall fulfillment I have been searching for in a career. I want to be a part of my community in a positive way where I can make a difference and be proud of what I accomplish day to day. I aspire to one day be a model to our future generations of police officers, as the many officers I have met and continue to learn from are to me.
