Bay City Tribune

Thirty-six citizens accepted completion certificates and shook hands with Matagorda County Sheriff Gary Mathis during a graduation ceremony for the Matagorda County Citizen's Law Enforcement Academy on Thursday night, Nov. 5, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Bay City.

"I want to thank you for the support you've shown the government of this county and we hope that you'll continue to be a part of this program," Mathis told the students.

A spaghetti dinner and the ceremony were put on as a joint effort between the Citizens Academy Alumni and the Sheriff's Office to conclude the 10-week course.

This year's class, which is the 11th class to graduate from the Citizens Academy, is the largest and most diverse group of students to take advantage of this opportunity since the program began in 1993.

Sgt. Stephen Baker and Wayne Dekle serve as coordinators of the program and were on hand Thursday to recognize the accomplishments of students and instructors alike.

The Citizens Academy is a well-rounded course in community information. Several instructors, including representatives from each division of the Sheriffs Office, District Attorney Steven Reis and Judge Jeanette Bell, visited to teach about what they do.

Chief Deputy Bruce Page expressed his enthusiasm for the program and a positive outlook for the future.

"I'm humbled and proud that y'all have chosen to get involved in this way. Let's put a class together that's as big or bigger than this and let's keep going with it," said Page.

The Citizens Academy Alumni presented Baker and Dekle with plaques in appreciation of leadership and instruction.

Baker then presented Carolyn Alvarado with an award on behalf of the Sheriff's Office recognizing her hard work and dedication and giving her a lifetime membership to the Citizens Academy Alumni.