Salt Lake City swears in 17 new officers from Police Academy Class 175, honors fallen Ogden officer

Salt Lake City ceremonial and department leaders on Monday celebrated the graduation of Police Academy Class 175, swearing in 17 recruits who the department said met Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training requirements and are cleared to begin field training.

Recruit Emma Stoddard told the audience the class had chosen to honor Officer Nathan Laday of the Ogden Police Department as its fallen officer. "Officer Nathan Laday was killed 05/28/2020 during a domestic violence investigation," Stoddard said, briefly recounting the circumstances of his death and noting he was 24 and is survived by family. The class dedicated its training and future service in his memory.

Lieutenant Hansen, the training lieutenant who opened the ceremony, introduced city and department leadership and thanked the academy training staff for preparing the recruits. Hansen said the graduates "have met the standard set forth by Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training" and are qualified to advance from recruit to officer.

Rachel Otto, the mayor's chief of staff speaking for Mayor Mendenhall, congratulated the new officers and urged them to carry themselves with pride. "When you put on that uniform, you will mean something to every single person who sees you," Otto said, adding that the city family stands ready to support the graduates and their loved ones.

A senior department leader who addressed the class emphasized values and family support. He urged the graduates to "serve with compassion and integrity" even while warning that the job will be difficult and that mistakes are inevitable. He closed with a reading from Theodore Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena," saying the passage guided his view of public service.

Sergeant Martin administered the oath of office, and the recruits recited an affirmation to support and defend the U.S. and state constitutions and to discharge their duties with fidelity. After the oath, lead officer Jansen Matza coordinated a pinning line and read the roster as recruits received badges and certificates.

The academy also recognized individual achievements. Officer Kevin Juice presented the academic award to Jeffrey Cunningham. The physical fitness award went to Kate Palmer, who also received the Blue Shirt award as the top recruit for combined excellence in academics, firearms and fitness. The Top Gun marksmanship award was presented to Tyler Faulkner.

In remarks after receiving the Blue Shirt award, Palmer thanked instructors and family and singled out several training officers by name for their instruction and support. Acting Division Commander Gordon Worsenkroft closed the ceremony by thanking families and the Police Foundation for event support and formally dismissing the class.

Following the ceremony, the recruits will move into field training, where they will be paired with field training officers to complete on-the-job instruction before full independent patrol duties.