Second Son of Slain Police Officer to Graduate from Police Academy

Los Angeles – On Friday, December 15, 2000 at 10:00 a.m., the Los Angeles Police Department will be graduating 29 police officers. The ceremony will take place at the Los Angeles Police Academy in Elysian Park located at 1880 North Academy Drive in Los Angeles. The graduating officers have completed 1064 hours of training over the course of 28 weeks. There are 25 males and four females in the graduating class.

Of particular interest, Ryan Verna, son of slain Police Officer Paul Verna, who was killed in the line of duty during a routine traffic stop, will be graduating from the Academy on this day. Ryan Verna’s brother, Police Officer Bryce Verna, graduated from the Police Academy, one year ago. Ryan Verna, and the other graduates, will be available for interviews following the graduation ceremony.

90 recruit classes consisting of 5312 new officers have graduated since the inception of the Los Angeles Public Safety plan in July of 1993. Over 141 recruit officers remain in training at the Academy, with a new class scheduled to start each month.

It is anticipated that over 500 guests will attend the graduation ceremonies. Chief Bernard C. Parks will inspect the class. Members of the Police Commission and Police Department command staff will be in attendance, as well as their special guests and other dignitaries.

This information was provided by Training Division.

This Press Release was prepared by Officer Mariana Gallegos, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.