SignalsAZ.com Prescott News Podcast - Yavapai College Celebrates NARTA Class 60

Episode Date: June 10, 2026

Send us a text and chime in!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...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/yavapai-college-celebrates-narta-class-60/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Text to Speech audio articles made possible on the Cast11.com podcast network by Fane Signature Group. The Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy at Yavapai College graduated 19 new peace officers Thursday, June 4th, during a command inspection, commencement and swearing in ceremony at the gym and 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. Mary Lou 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 Pell 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 Pinaul County Sheriff's Office. Jake Tyser, 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, Tyser 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 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 and 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.y.orghumed-dustre Following are the NARTA Class 60 graduates and the agencies they will serve. Craig Stevenson, Chino Valley Police Department. Tristan Allen, Cottonwood Police Department

Kellyn Mers, Oro Valley Police Department. Marks Gagner and Mark Mont Eaton, Payson Police Department. Joshua Loper and Jacob Smith, Panall County Sheriff's Office. Patanga Gable, Joshua Olson, and Asher Pell, Prescott Valley Police Department. Nathan Covender and Troy Zellner, Sedona Police Department. Carolyn Jones, Justin Lawler, Tamas Morgan, Jonathan Pierce, Oscar Ramatowski, Jake Tyser, and Connor Watson, Yavapai County Sheriff's Office. 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. Read more stories from education on signals a.com. Subscribe and be the F1RST2-No.