Today, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal administered the Oath of Office to 23 newly certified Class I Colorado Peace Officers during the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy Class 26-2 Graduation Ceremony at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. The ceremony also sworn in three newly hired El Paso County Security Officers.
Sheriff Roybal also celebrated a personal milestone today, marking 31 years with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. He was honored to celebrate the occasion alongside the newest members of the EPSO family as they officially began their careers in law enforcement and public service.
The graduates completed an intensive 20-week academy designed to prepare recruits for the challenges and responsibilities of modern law enforcement. Recruit Class 26-2 began training on May 18, 2026, and now joins agencies across Colorado, ready to serve their communities with professionalism, integrity, and dedication.
The class includes officers and deputies from multiple agencies throughout the state:
- 20 will serve with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
- one will serve with the Teller County Sheriff’s Office
- one will serve with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office
- one will serve with the Florence Police Department
The three newly sworn El Paso County Security Officers will serve within the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, supporting the security and safety of county facilities, employees, and visitors.
This graduation marks the eleventh class to complete the updated Colorado POST certification program since Sheriff Roybal took office in January 2023. The Regional Training Academy’s continued success reflects strong partnerships among participating agencies and a shared commitment to developing highly qualified peace officers.
“Today, we celebrate 23 newly certified peace officers who have completed 20 weeks of rigorous training and are beginning a noble profession dedicated to serving and protecting their communities,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “These recruits have demonstrated resilience, professionalism, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to public service throughout their academy experience.
“Today is also personally special for me as I celebrate 31 years with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. It was an honor to mark this milestone alongside our newest members as they begin their careers and commit themselves to serving others.
“I am proud of the work accomplished by our Regional Training Academy and grateful to Sheriffs Mikesell and Cooper, and Chief Humphrey, for entrusting our academy with the training and development of their recruits. Their confidence in our program reflects our responsibility to prepare the next generation of peace officers to meet the demands of this profession.
“Every badge represents a commitment to uphold the Constitution, protect individual rights, serve with integrity, and build trust within the communities we serve. These 23 peace officers will carry this responsibility with them as they begin their careers, and the training, values, and leadership they received over the past 20 weeks will help guide them in the moments when their communities need them most.
“We are also proud to welcome three new County Security Officers to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Their commitment to protecting our county facilities, employees, and visitors is an important part of our broader public safety mission.
“We are proud to welcome all of these new members into a profession defined by service, sacrifice, accountability, and trust. Congratulations to Recruit Class 26-2, our new County Security Officers, and to their families, instructors, and agencies who supported them throughout this journey.”
The next POST-certified class from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy is scheduled to graduate in January 2027.
Individuals interested in a career with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office can learn more at www.joinepso.com.
