APD’s 152nd cadet class continues Chief’s Run tradition 

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dozens of graduating cadets took part in the ceremonial Chief’s Run Wednesday morning, marking the start of service for the Austin Police Department’s 152nd Cadet Class. 

The 54 cadets trekked from Congress Avenue Bridge to the Texas Peace Officers’ Memorial at the State Capitol.

Wednesday’s run was not only a first for the cadets, but the chief herself. Austin’s new top cop, Lisa Davis — who took the helm only a week ago — said she values keeping this tradition alive. 

“It’s a tradition that comes full circle for the officers starting a long eight months ago to finish here. I think it sets the tone for what the expectation is for the city of Austin and the community as a whole,” Davis said after the run. “These are the best-trained officers in the world.” 

Davis, who comes to Austin from Cincinnati, Ohio, is expected to officially assume her role upon completing a mandated exam. Her arrival follows continued recruitment challenges, though this class size is up from the previous group in April. A total of 39 cadets were welcomed into the program at that time.

“We’re down significantly, and we’ve got recruiting efforts to do,” Davis said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I feel very confident that we can get it done.” 

New cadets said the culmination of their months-long training settled in as they neared the route’s end. 

“As we got closer to the Capitol, I was looking up, and I could just see the angle of the Capitol with the sun rising, and it just kinda hit hard — everything that we’re doing and who we’re serving in our community — it just all hit at once,” cadet Rosalee Callejas said. 

Another soon-to-be officer said joining the force completely changed his perception of police.

"Before going into this, I wasn't much of a fan of police. We're in pretty tumultuous times for the image of police... I want to go and make it better," cadet Benjamin Thory said. "Coming to APD, it's kind of amazed me with how good the department is...they're really trying to make a good change and serve their community as best they can, so I'm proud to be part of it."