At Ada High School this past Friday, Senator Jonathan Wingard—Republican from Ada—delivered the main address at a graduation ceremony for the current cadre of the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) graduates, as reported by a press release from the Oklahoma State Senate. A total of 108 cadets were recognized for the successful completion of a 16-week training program designed to certify them as peace officers.
While only 75 members of the graduating class were present at the event, each has already been playing a critical role in public safety across Oklahoma, filling positions in police departments, sheriff's offices, and fire departments, among other agencies. In his talk, Senator Wingard drew parallels with his own military experience, specifically his 18 years serving in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, while he stressed the significance of adhering to the core Army values namely loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.
"It was truly an honor to celebrate these Oklahomans who have chosen a life of service and sacrifice,” Wingard is quoted as saying in the Oklahoma Senate press release. He commended the CLEET graduates for their unwavering commitment to the public's well-being, affirming the increasing need for competent public safety officers who are willing to protect the community with dedication and discipline.
During the event, Sen. Wingard made it a point to highlight the gravity of the graduates' decision to don the uniform and badge, remarking, "Oklahoma is safer because of each and every one of them," as mentioned on the Oklahoma Senate website.
