Story by Brandon Iriarte, SCV News

Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha McLean and other leaders in Los Angeles County spoke at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Academy Class 404 graduation Thursday evening.

The graduation was held at the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center in Valencia where 50 men and women were sworn in to the department.

Deputy Matthew Franklin of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was named the Honor Recruit Thursday night.

As part of the graduation, the new deputies – along with five police officers from the Culver City, Redondo Beach and San Gabriel police departments – received their badges from a family member or loved one.

After receiving their graduation certificates, the graduates were officially sworn in as peace officers by new L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell.

“As you accept your badges today, you are not accepting a prize for completing the last six months,” McDonnell said. “You are accepting a star or a shield which represents the community we serve; a badge which represents thousands who came before you, and many who died wearing it with honor.”

“You are also accepting an amazing opportunity to live a life of purpose – a life where every day, you will affect the course of peoples’ lives.”

Deputy Tanner Paul Sanchez also of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was named the Academic Recruit for graduating with the highest academic scores.

Deputy Matthew Franklin of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was named the Honor Recruit.  The award goes to the recruit with the highest numerical average based upon leadership qualities, academics, marksmanship and physical performance throughout the training period.

Deputy Tanner Paul Sanchez, also of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, was named the Academic Recruit for graduating with the highest academic scores.

The new graduates are the first to pass a newly implemented 22-week training program, receiving new training in media relations, accountability, and scenario testing.

McLean was the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony.

Attendees included Assistant Chief Chris Gutierrez of the Culver City Police Department, Interim Chief Thomas J. Krafick of the Redondo Beach Police Department and Chief David A. Lawton of San Gabriel Police Department, who watched the transformation as their newest personnel took the oath of office and became peace officers.