Detention Officer Training Academy graduates first class of cadets

Detention Officer Training Academy graduates first class of cadets

June 2, 2022

Program aims to serve agencies around the state

Yuma, AZ (June 2, 2022) – Arizona Western College graduated its first class of Detention Officer Training Academy (DOTA) cadets on May 26, 2022.

Four Yuma County Sherriff’s Office recruits completed the eight-week training program – Yazmin Alatorre, Christian Camacho, Pete Corral, and Michelle Grado. Two graduates were recognized with special honors during the graduation ceremony. Grado achieved the highest average score on the written exam, and Camacho received the highest average score on the physical fitness test. Grado was also selected as the class speaker.

The program was led by Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) Coordinator Nate Dusek, LETA Director Alfonso Zavala, and YCSO Recruit Training Officer and Senior Detention Officer Edith Reveles. The academy was created in partnership with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program. 

“We are excited to graduate the inaugural class of AWC‘s Detention Officer Training Academy. This program has been in the process for over a year. To have the first class graduate is a milestone and speaks to the tremendous partnership between AWC and local law enforcement,” said LETA Coordinator Nate Dusek.

“We look forward to future classes and having agencies outside of Yuma County become involved. Our goal for DOTA is to provide effective, convenient, and cost-effective training to meet the needs of law enforcement agencies across the state.” 

The next cohort of the program is scheduled to begin July 11 and will run through September 1. 

Contact:
Nate Dusek
LETA Coordinator
Arizona Western College
Nathan.Dusek@azwestern.edu
(928) 446-9371

Contact:
Alfonso Zavala
Interim Associate Dean of Reskilling and Technology Center & LETA Director
Arizona Western College
Alfonso.Zavala@azwestern.edu
(928) 317-7591

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Caption information: Four Yuma County Sherriff’s Office recruits recently completed the new Detention Officer Training Academy at Arizona Western College. Justice of the Peace Gregory Stewart (left) is seen here swearing in the graduates on May 26, 2022. Others pictured standing (from left to right): YCSO Recruit Training Officer and Senior Detention Officer Edith Reveles and graduates Michelle Grado, Pete Corral, Christian Camacho, and Yazmin Alatorre.