ORLANDO, Fla. – Recently, I was privileged to participate in a truly remarkable and unparalleled event.

The Valencia College Criminal Justice Training Center organized a heartfelt memorial service dedicated to former recruits who trained with them and later lost their lives while serving in the line of duty. Over time, ten individuals who began their journey here have paid the ultimate price, serving within our very own community.

Take a moment to let that resonate.

These aren’t merely names etched in stone. They represent men and women who once occupied the same classrooms, underwent identical training, and roamed the same corridors as today’s burgeoning recruits.

Truthfully, in all my years associated with law enforcement, I have never witnessed a criminal justice center orchestrate such an event. To me, it speaks volumes about their unwavering passion and commitment, not just towards nurturing future officers but also maintaining bonds with them long after their graduation.

I had the distinct honor of being invited as the keynote speaker for this ceremony. Events like this reinforce why I am passionate about my work; it transcends mere logistics—it’s about people, service, and honoring those who have given their all.

For the recruits in the room, it was real. A reminder of the responsibility that comes with the badge. For the instructors, you could feel the pride and the heartbreak, knowing the impact they’ve had on every class that’s come through.

And for me, it was a chance to take you behind the scenes of something that doesn’t get seen very often, a place where training meets tradition, and where those who are lost are never forgotten.

Hope you take a moment to watch this one. It means a little more.