Week 2--Recuit Magor

Day 1 of Week 2 we had our first test, it was challenging to say the least. In order to pass the test recruits had to receive an 80% or better. There were a number of recruits who passed and a number who did not meet the expectation. However, the entire class stood by one another with support. 

We also had our first “motivational run” after line inspection, instructors included. The support of staff and fellow recruits is a true brotherhood.

While in the academy, my typical day starts by waking up at 5:30 a.m., shaving, showering, brushing my teeth, inspecting all of my clothes for perfect creases and being out the door by 6:10 a.m. Two recruits and myself have started carpooling, which allows us to study while we drive to class.  

Line inspection starts at 7:45 a.m. Instructors thoroughly inspect for any imperfections in our uniforms. We hold one another accountable for looking sharp. Typically we have had two classes per day, each have been very enjoyable. This week we had three wellness labs. By Friday some of us were walking a little funny from soreness, but we finish every workout strong as a team.

Once we are dismissed for the day, each squad has duties to complete before leaving. Even though we leave for the day our job is not over. Once I get home I spit shine my boots, iron press my clothes, cook some dinner and pack leftovers for the next day. Then it is on to studying the material we learned. At 10 p.m., it’s time to hit the sack and do it all over again the following day.

At the end of the week we gave three different awards to recruits who did something to deserve extra attention. This week's most notable award, the “Sherlock Holmes” award went to Recruit Stevenson. During class, Director Baca asked where the Ten Commandments came from and Recruit Stevenson said, “God.” Everyone thought it was funny.

This award can also be known as the "Captain Obvious" award. He now gets to carry around a pink doctor kit for the next week. Pink goes well with Recruit Stevenson. I can already foresee that the next 22 weeks will be some of the best in my life. 

Week 1--Recruit Magor

Week 1—Recruit Magor

I would like to tell you a little about myself, my name is Clayton Magor and I am a recruit in the Combined Regional Training Academy. I have worked as a civilian for Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for close to two years with a small gap in the middle.

My family and I made a decision to move away from Colorado and try out Florida. Long story short, we decided Florida living was not for us. Truly, I missed the Sheriff’s Office. So I applied for the Regional Academy and was presented with a wonderful opportunity to return to my old position and start the Academy this month.

Here I am today, headed down the path I have desired since I went on my first ride along with my father. I have lived most my life in Arvada, Colorado. I went to school at Red Rocks Community College and Colorado Mesa University studying criminal justice. Needless to say, I am honored and humbled to be sitting in the seat I am in.

Jefferson County Recruits had a two-day orientation before the official start date to acquaint us with the Sheriff’s Office.  We were fitted for uniforms and body armor. Trying on a ballistic vest for the first time made me consider the severity of the career as a deputy.

Day 1 started July 13, 2015. We started the day off with introduction about ourselves. Ten different agencies have combined for this academy with a total of 44 recruits, 10 of which are working for Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

We did a physical fitness test that consisted of a 400 meter run, 40 squats, 30 sit ups, 20 pushups and 10 pull ups. The goal was to complete this test as quickly as possible. Every recruit finished strong and we all helped motivate each other. I have never done CrossFit in the past, but after this workout I see exactly why the Regional Academy uses this style of training. These workouts will push us not only physically, but mentally to keep fighting till the end. There are times in this career we may have to push ourselves until backup comes or we get the situation calmed down.

Director Baca gave a lecture on Criminal Code Articles 1 and 2, which I might add was one of the most interesting classes I have taken. Director Baca has a special way to keep the class laughing and alert while learning difficult material. The rest of week our focus was on ethics, learning in high stress environments, criminal process, crime prevention and problem solving. This is very different from your typical criminal justice college class; one day of class in the Regional Academy feels equivalent to five days in a college course.

Line inspections are foreign to most of us; however Recruit Schultz took charge as the team leader. He was a natural with his 23 years of military experience. We went from a scary mess to neat order in no time. Over the weekend I’m certain that we will all be studying very hard for our first test Monday morning. In this career, camaraderie is essential. After only five days in class we have already developed a close-knit team and will remain that way for the next 21 weeks of training and beyond into our careers.