Reno academy graduates diverse group of new officers

From: Reno Gazette Journal, NV - 28 Nov 2002

Associated Press

The newest graduating class at the High Sierra Regional Law Enforcement Academy is perhaps the most diverse ever, academy officials said.

Davina Daviton, 21, who is fluent in sign language, was among 23 cadets who graduated Wednesday.

Daviton grew up in a household with two deaf parents. She said she wants to help educate the hearing impaired about law enforcement and teach officers about deaf people.

She currently works as a community services officer with the Truckee Meadows Community College police department, but said she will apply to become a sworn officer with the department when a position opens.

At 61, James Aaby, is the oldest member of the class. Employed with the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Probation and Parole, he said the physical portions of the training were most difficult for him.

Michael Henry, 35, is a member of the Tuscarora Indian tribe. He has worked for Pyramid Lake tribal police since February and has previous experience in a juvenile detention facility and as a specialist in preventing gang violence.

Class valedictorian Joanna Nunn, 23, who will join the Sparks police department, said the training was challenging for her because she is short and a woman.

"People assumed I couldn't do the academy training because I am short,"Nunn told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

The graduating class also presented a plaque honoring Reno Officer Mike Scofield, who was killed on his way to an accident scene in September when his motorcycle was struck by another vehicle.

Twenty-eight students began High Sierra academy's second training session of 2002, but five dropped out along the way, said Lt. Marshall Emerson, the academy commander.

The academy is a partnership between Truckee Meadows Community College, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office and Reno and Sparks police departments.

Information from: Reno Gazette-Journal

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