KEY LARGO, FL, July 20, 2023— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) celebrated the graduation of Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) Academy #84 with a ceremony on July 14 in the auditorium of Coral Shores High School. Fourteen cadets successfully completed the 770-hour training program. Upon passing the state certification exam, each will be eligible to become a Florida Law Enforcement Officer.  

Several graduates have already secured employment. Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay swore-in Lens Nepius, Luis Guiardinu, and David Parker as Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Paula Carballosa, who was sponsored by Homestead Police Department, was sworn-in by Captain Garland Wright. Cathy Torres, Director of CFK’s Institute for Public Safety, recognized top performing graduates with special accolades. Sergio Perez-Cruz and Carballosa earned awards for leadership. Sindy Moncada and Alex Taquechel received physical fitness awards. The “PIG” award, which recognizes pride, integrity, and guts, went to Guiardinu. Jennifer Figueroa earned the academic achievement award and “Top Gun” honors for superior shooting skills went to Adam Hunsberger.  

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. CFK is currently accepting applications for an upcoming basic law enforcement academy. This academy will be held at the Upper Keys Center in Key Largo. The academy is a part-time evening program, running Monday through Friday, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., starting in August and ending in June 2024. Applications are due on July 31. For more information about CFK’s Institute for Public Safety, visit the College’s website at 
https://www.cfk.edu/academics/academic-departments/institute-for-public-safety/.