Yavapai College’s NARTA Graduates 19 New Peace Officers: Celebrating NARTA Class 60 and 30 years of NARTA training

Photo:  Yavapai College Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy (NARTA) Class 60

The Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy at Yavapai College graduated 19 new peace officers Thursday, June 4, during a command inspection, commencement and swearing-in ceremony at the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center.

The milestone event marked NARTA’s 60th graduating class and 30 years of preparing peace officers to serve communities across northern Arizona and throughout the state.

“The profession you are entering is one of tremendous responsibility. Every day, peace officers are called upon to make difficult decisions, often in challenging circumstances and under intense pressure,” said Dr. Marylou Mercado, Yavapai College vice president of workforce development, health sciences and public services. “We are incredibly proud of each one of you. Your dedication gives us hope, strengthens our communities, and inspires confidence in the future.”

The ceremony included the posting of colors by NARTA Class 60, the national anthem performed by Asher Pehl of the Prescott Valley Police Department, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Jacob Smith of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and an invocation by Joshua Loper of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.

Jake Ticer, president of NARTA Class 60, addressed his fellow graduates and reflected on the lessons that extend beyond the badge.

“We learned how to be professional in our duties, to communicate effectively, to be warriors, to be a role model, to trust ourselves and peers, to enforce the law, and how to use precision and integrity in not just our work but our everyday lives” Ticer said. “I want to thank everyone here today and the family and friends who have made it possible for us to push past our limits and successfully graduate as law enforcement officers.”

Following the graduation ceremony, the college hosted NARTA’s 30th Anniversary Celebration at Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus. The event, themed “30 Years Strong: Honoring Our Past, Embracing Our Future,” recognized the academy’s history since 1996 and its continued role in preparing the next generation of public safety professionals.

For three decades, NARTA has partnered with Yavapai College to deliver law enforcement training for agencies across Arizona. Over that time, the academy has built a reputation for excellence in preparing peace officers for careers dedicated to protecting and serving their communities.

Yavapai College also is expanding educational opportunities for public safety professionals. Beginning in fall 2026, the college will offer a 92-credit Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration. The fully online, three-year optimized degree is designed to prepare current and aspiring public safety professionals to lead with integrity, resilience and innovation.

Registration is open at www.yc.edu/BASPSA.

Following are the NARTA Class 60 graduates and the agencies they will serve:

Craig Stephenson – Chino Valley Police Department

Tristian Allen – Cottonwood Police Department

Kellan Merz – Oro Valley Police Department

Marques Gagner and Mark Mont-Eton – Payson Police Department

Joshua Loper and Jacob Smith – Pinal County Sheriff’s Office

Patanga Gable, Joshua Olson, and Asher Pehl – Prescott Valley Police Department

Nathan Cavender and Troy Zellner – Sedona Police Department

Carolyn Jones, Justin Lawler, Tamhas Morgan, Johnathon Pierce, Oskar Ramotowski, Jake Ticer, and Connor Watson – Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office

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Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.