New Lubbock police graduates reflect on significance of 9/11

Officer Amber Simpson was 10 years old when the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, including hundreds of first responders. 

On Thursday, she and six other graduates of the Lubbock Police Academy stood on stage at Buddy Holly Hall and swore their oaths of office as newly-minted police officers.

The seven who graduated were among 123 people who took the entrance test to apply for the police academy. Of those applicants, 82 moved on to the physical fitness test and 63 passed. 

Ultimately, 12 applicants passed the subsequent interview and background tests to begin the six-month police academy course. 

"The road that led us here has not been an easy one," said Lubbock police Sgt. Michael Sandoval. "These young officers have dedicated the last 28 weeks of their lives to the department and citizens of Lubbock with countless hours of mental and physical preparation."

Among the seven graduates, Timothy Sheppard will serve as a fire marshal investigator. 

Before applying for the police academy, Simpson worked for eight years in a laboratory where she was tasked with administrative and safety duties.  

"I got to a point in my life where I didn't feel like I was doing quite enough and I needed to do something a little bit bigger — just really wanted to do something that would help people," she said. 

Lubbock police Chief Floyd Mitchell said the past year has been difficult for first responders, many of whom have died from complications from COVID-19.

"I think the connection is there from that standpoint of 9/11," he said. "We lost a lot of first responders during that time. Especially firefighters, they suffered the most loss during that."

He said it is important for the public to understand the heavy burden first responders shoulder. 

"And the 7 individuals that put themselves through a six-month grueling police academy and committed to being servants to their community just shows and makes that connection back to all those that we lost in 9/11."

Simpson said 9/11 has a new significance to her now that she's a first responder. 

"To me it's about protecting my home," she said. "I grew up here, I've lived here my whole life, this is my home and this is what I want to protect."

Zachery Cansino, 24, was the class' honor graduate. Before applying for the police academy he worked as a correctional officer at the Montford Unit. 

He said the first responders who gave their lives during the terrorist attacks set a high bar for service. 

"They were willing and ready at the drop of a hat," he said. "It's big shoes to fill, but that's what I'm aiming for."

Lubbock Police Academy Class of 2021 graduates

• Alex Biddison
• Zachery Cansino
• Jordan Lee
• Richard McDermott
• Chandler Shillig  
• Amber Simpson
• Timothy Sheppard