Prescott, Arizona (Dec. 12, 2025) – Twenty-four men and women who answered the call to law enforcement service are wearing badges for the first time following their Dec. 11 graduation from the Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy (NARTA) at Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus.
The newly sworn peace officers, members of NARTA Class 59, represent the latest class of newly trained and sworn recruits for their respective police departments, sheriff’s and marshal’s offices. The graduation ceremony at the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center featured speeches, a swearing-in ceremony, a video presentation chronicling the academy training, and loved ons of each recruit pinning on their well-earned badges.
In his graduation remarks, Sedona Police Department Recruit and NARTA Class 59 President John Klafin said he couldn’t ignore the call to serve in law enforcement, even after a stellar career in the U.S. Army as a Special Forces officer that was followed by a long stint as an engineer for a tech company in Chandler. “It was a great job, full of technical challenges…,” he said of his engineer position. I stayed for over 24 years. But something was missing. What I realized here at NARTA is that what was missing was service – service to the nation, the world and like us now -- to our communities. If you are truly called to serve, nothing else can satisfy that part of you.”
Keynote speaker, Prescott Valley Police Chief Robert Ticer, recounted on-duty experiences that were fraught with danger but calmed with kindness and respect for the people he encountered, arrested and even helped send to prison. “Being nice doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human and approachable,” he said.
Ticer encouraged recruits to continue their education and training, including obtaining a bachelor’s degree. “If I can do it, you can, too,” he said, adding, “It took me 14 years to get my bachelor’s degree because somebody cared about me and said you need to get your college education.”
Yavapai College will begin offering a 92-credit bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice in fall 2026. The optimized degree will be attainable in three years in an online format accessible to working adults. The new degree is pending accreditation approval from the Higher Learning Commission.
Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine expressed profound pride in NARTA Class 59 graduates, telling them in her congratulatory remarks, “Today isn’t just about passing tests or earning certificates. It’s about recognizing you, for stepping into one of the most respected and courageous professions out there. You’ve chosen a path where your daily job description includes protecting and saving lives. So, to our newest peace officers, we salute your strength, your discipline, your courage and your heart.”
Following are the NARTA Class 59 graduates and the agencies they will be serving:
Oren Johnson, Ryan Shamberger, Camp Verde Marshal’s Office
Zachary Clifford, Johnny Mitchell, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office
Andres Cervantes, Cottonwood Police Department
Savannah Mott, Carson Ventura, Flagstaff Police Department
Christopher Armenta, NAU Police Department
Zack Griffin, Payson Police Department
Collin Buckley, Logan Buettner, Savannah Davis, Noah Easley, Kassaundra Gafvert, Nathan Tomlinson, Prescott Police Department
Christopher Bowdenwright, Dan Lydick, Prescott Valley Police Department
Felix Alcaraz, Nicholas Croce, Tyler Hardy, John Klafin, Sedona Police Department
Arturo Gomez, Yavapai College Police Department
Brandon Lamca, Payten Schmidt, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.
