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Austin Police Department commissions 36 graduates from 150th cadet class
Summary
On Sept. 29, 2025, the Austin Police Department commissioned 36 graduates of its 150th cadet class in a ceremony at Greater Mount Zion Church. APD leaders highlighted the class's diversity, education and service backgrounds and administered the oath of office.
On Sept. 29, 2025, at Greater Mount Zion Church, the Austin Police Department commissioned 36 graduates of its 150th cadet class, formally pinning badges and administering the oath of office to new Austin police officers.
Commander Richard Eagle, commander of APD’s recruiting and training division, opened the ceremony and thanked recruits’ families and the recruiting and training staff for preparing the cadets for service. He announced the class completed a 32-week academy and recognized city and university leaders in attendance.
University of Texas Chief of Police Shane Streepe, invited as a guest speaker, urged the graduates to "set the standard," emphasizing ownership, resilience and integrity in everyday policing. "What matters now more than ever is how you carry yourselves through it," Streepe said, urging the officers to lead regardless of rank.
Class President Jesus Contreras told classmates the academy reshaped their habits and expectations. "To the Austin community, we are ready, we are here, and prepared to keep you and our community safe," Contreras said, thanking instructors and family members who supported the class.
Chief of Police Lisa Davis noted the class's composition, saying it included eight military veterans, four individuals with prior law enforcement experience, 10 cadets with bachelor’s degrees, one with a master’s and one with a doctorate. She pledged department support for training, equipment and officer safety: "I will fight every day to ensure that you have the best training, technology, equipment and work environment to ensure your safety and well-being," Davis said.
The ceremony included awards: the Ernie Hinkle Humanitarian Award was presented to Ozzy Baezatoglu, and Edward Royer was named Honor Cadet for exemplifying leadership and integrity. Family members and selected guests pinned badges as each cadet was called to the stage.
Chief Davis administered the oath of office; the cadets collectively recited a pledge to "faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties" as officers under the Constitution and the laws of the United States, the state of Texas and the City of Austin. Following the oath, Commander Eagle thanked attendees and asked Class President Jesus Contreras to dismiss the new officers, formally concluding the ceremony.
The commissioning highlights APD's ongoing recruitment and training efforts and the department's emphasis on education, prior service and professional standards among incoming officers.
