L.A. SHERIFF CADETS READY FOR CHALLENGES L.A. SHERIFF CADETS GRADUATE AT C.O.C.

Byline: Orith Goldberg Staff Writer

VALENCIA - The Los Angeles County Sheriff's 304th graduating class - the last rookies of the century - cried, cheered, and hugged their colleagues Thursday after swearing in ceremonies at College of the Canyons.

In an address to christen the department's graduating class of 12 women and 42 men, Sheriff Lee Baca spoke of the challenges that will be faced by the new generation of deputies.

``At this stage in the history of America, as we move into the new millennium, you have the awesome task of public safety," he said to the recruits. "...This is a time when (we) must deal with the problems of drugs and violence head-on and stop it.``

Baca welcomed the new graduates into the law enforcement family, pointing out that regardless of where they end up working, teamwork and cooperation are key to success.

Pride and joy brightened the faces of sons, daughters, wives, husbands, parents, mentors and friends chosen by each recruit to pin their badges.

The class, which originally started training 60 recruits, was the first since 1992 to receive badges at the department's north facility at the College of the Canyons.

Due to budget constraints, classes stopped training at the satellite academy on the Valencia campus. Many sheriff's officials said they were glad the academy repoened Aug. 30.

``It's nice to be able to put the department close to the residents in the northern part of the county,`` said Santa Clarita Valley Capt. Don Rodriguez. ``I think it's a good mix between the sheriff's department, COC and the community.``

Many tears were shed during the graduation ceremony, as graduates' families saw their loved ones obtain their goals.

Anthony Fletcher, 21, of Winnetka, and his mother, Renee Anderson, 42 of Mar Vista, were equally choked up when Fletcher's name was called out as the class' honor recruit.

Fletcher earned the title by scoring the highest in leadership qualities, social relations and personal traits, practical performance, adameics, marksmanship and physical performance. Fletcher was awarded a 9- mm Baretta for his accomplishment.

Fletcher said he had no idea he would be chosen.

``It's very humbling to be one of the youngest and receive this honor,`` Fletcher said.

Anderson gently wiped the tears from her eyes as she spoke about the obstacles her son had to overcome to reach the dream he's had for nine years.

``Tony had setbacks getting into law enforcement and I was afraid he would not follow his dream," Anderson said. ``But he persevered despite everything.``

Before the ceremony, Jan Duke, father of 29-year-old Scott Duke, said he couldn't be more ecstatic about his son's graduation.

``Being a former police chief, this a proud day for me,`` he said with a smile. "This has been a longtime dream for him.``

Scott Duke's wife Tammy, 37, of Sacarmento, said it was tough for her husband to make the decision to move to Canyon Country, adding that she was thrilled with his achievement.``

``I'm so proud of him,`` she said.

Scott Duke said his father's law enforcement background was a primary factor in tipping the scales toward a career in the same path.

``I always looked up to him and wanted to follow in his foot steps,`` Scott Duke said.

Before the 54 recruits were sworn in, they marched into the gymnasium filled with about 1,300 spectators, lined up and shook hands with Baca, Capt. Johnny Dredd, North Academy Lt. Mike Smith and UPN newscaster Rick Chambers. N

Next came the badge pinning ceremony, where recruits had the honor of being pinned by two or three people of their choice.

Jubilant cheers rang out from the gymnasium's stands as each name was called. The cheers grew in volume as the 54 recruits were sworn in as deputies.

Touching on the same subject as Baca, Smith said this generation of law enforecment will perhaps face the greatest challenges due to the changing make-up of the poulation.

``They'll have to be more progressive thinkers if they want to survive in this career, and that's what we try to emphasize," Smith said.

Sgt. Stacy Lee, in charge of training at the academy, said class number 309, which will consist of 70 recruits, is scheduled to begin training Jan. 31.

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2 photos

Photo: (1 -- 2 -- color) Above, L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca inspects graduates of the academy Thursday morning at College of the Canyons in Valenica. At left, a child looks out the door of the college gymnasium at cadets waiting to enter graduation ceremonies.

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer