“We are granted our authority by the people we serve,” Chief Mike Markle told CCPD’s 85th Academy Class during Friday’s graduation.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — After leaving the Army and spending two years working at a Tesla plant, Austin Olson said he felt something was missing.

On Friday, that search for purpose brought him to a stage inside of the Texas A&M-CC Performing Arts Building, where the former Army Ranger joined 15 classmates graduating from the Corpus Christi Police Department’s 85th Police Academy session.

3NEWS caught up with Olson before the ceremony, where he talked about his life after the Army, and what ultimately led him back into a life of service. 

“Once I got out of the military, I worked at Tesla for two years, and I liked the job — I loved the job, but I felt — a yearning inside of me. Like I was meant for more — to protect, serve, and have a purpose,” he said. 

Now, the young husband and father who once searched for purpose on a factory floor begins his next mission — serving and protecting the citizens of Corpus Christi as an officer of the law.

Olson served as class leader, and was recognized for multiple achievements, including the Academy’s physical fitness award.

He also received the Matthew Thebeau Memorial Award — presented each academy session to a cadet who, according to CCPD, exemplifies the character, professionalism and commitment to service of fallen officer Matthew Thebeau, who was killed in the line of duty in 2008.

Olson said he hopes to eventually join the Department’s gang unit and work his way onto the SWAT team, with a long-term goal of becoming a SWAT team leader.

Captain Kevin Quesada, the Department’s Training Director, told families the ceremony marked the culmination of months of training for the new officers.

“This is a proud and long-awaited day for the 16 men and women who have dedicated the past 33 weeks to reaching this milestone,” Quesada said.

Academy staff highlighted the group’s performance, citing more than 1,300 hours of instruction and completion of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement state licensing exam. Officials with the Department said the class earned an overall grade point average of 91%, with Cadet Lauren Fuentes recognized as the top academic achiever with a 96% overall average.

CCPD Public Information Officer Travis Pace told 3NEWS that the Department has a very good track record of helping cadets prepare for the exam throughout the academy. 

Fheonix Franco received the Academy’s top firearms proficiency award after demonstrating “superior skill, composure, and accuracy” during firearms training, and Zachery Shaw was named the Academy’s outstanding driver, an award recognizing performance in defensive driving and vehicle operations training.

Chief Mike Markle told families the graduates had made it through a demanding selection process and reassured them the Department’s field training officers would guide the new recruits as they transition from the academy to patrol.

Chief Mike Markle reassured families their loved ones would be guided by experienced officers in the field and reminded graduates that their authority ultimately comes from the community they serve.

“These men and women are highly trained professionals who will be looking out for your loved ones,” Markle said. “

Many graduates were pinned by family members who have served in law enforcement, a tradition highlighted during the badge-pinning portion of the ceremony. 

Herberto Carrasco IV was pinned by his father-in-law, Nueces County Constable Precinct Officer Ted Sanchez. 

Isaac Martinez was pinned by his stepfather, CID Lt. Paulo Hernandez.

Shelton Mims was pinned by his grandfather, retired Houston police officer Jerry Lindsay.

Several members of the class were also recognized for military service, including Olson (U.S. Army, Ranger, Specialist), Franco (U.S. Marine Corps), Ariana Lopez (U.S. Army), Mims (U.S. Army/Texas National Guard) and Marco Villa (U.S. Air Force/Air Force Reserves).

The 85th Session of the Corpus Christi Police Academy graduated the following officers, listed here in alphabetical order: 

Herberto Carrasco IVFheonix Franco (U.S. Marine Corps veteran; Top Firearms Proficiency Award)Lauren Fuentes (Top Academic Achiever)Rafael Garcia IIIWilliam LesterAriana Lopez (U.S. Army veteran)Abigail MartinezIsaac MartinezShelton Mims (U.S. Army veteran; Texas National Guard)Micah MoralesEthan MunozAustin Olson (U.S. Army veteran, 75th Ranger Regiment; Physical Fitness Award; Matthew Thebeau Memorial Award)Ellen ReynaZachery Shaw (Outstanding Driver Award)Steven SolizMarco Villa (U.S. Air Force veteran; Air Force Reserves)

3NEWS extends their congratulations to the graduating class of the Corpus Christi Police Department’s 85th Police Academy!

CCPD’s 85th Police Academy Class