KEY WEST, FL, July 23, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys’ (CFK) Institute for Public Safety (IPS) graduated 15 cadets in Basic Law Enforcement Academy #95. The graduation ceremony was held on July 15 at Coral Shores High School Auditorium. All 15 cadets successfully completed the 770-hour training program at CFK’s Upper Keys Center. Graduates are eligible to become a Florida Law Enforcement Officer upon passing the state certification exam.

Nine graduates have already passed the exam and two have secured employment including: Misley Quintero who was pinned by Captain Spenser Bryan from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and Kevin Laguardia Perez pinned by Assistant Chief Armando Aguilar of the City of Miami Police Department.  

Jasmine Jefferson, Assistant Director of IPS, recognized top performing graduates with accolades: 

• David Jauregui won the award for leadership;
• Misley Quintero and Rachel Goodwin tied for the academic achievement award;
• Kevin Laguardia Perez received the “PIG” award (for pride, integrity, and guts);
• Julio Couvertier-Santiago was awarded “Top Gun” for shooting skills; and
• Misley Quintero and Christopher Danet, Jr. shared the physical fitness award.

CFK’s law enforcement officer program satisfies the training requirements of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. 

Two upcoming law enforcement training academies at CFK’s Upper Keys Center in Key Largo with a deadline to apply by November 20 are:

• Basic Law Enforcement Academy #100, full-time, January to July 2027
• Basic Law Enforcement Academy #101, part-time, January to December 2027 

For more information about CFK’s IPS, visit the College’s website at https://www.cfk.edu/academics/academic-departments/institute-for-public-safety/. 

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