POCATELLO — Idaho State University’s Law Enforcement program honored one of its largest classes of cadets at a graduation ceremony earlier this month.

The 20 cadets will join several law enforcement agencies in the region, including police departments in Pocatello and Idaho Falls and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office.

Lynn Case, coordinator and clinical instructor at the academy, addressed the 20 graduates and expressed gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

“There’s some special things about this group,” Case said during the graduation ceremony, held in the Wood River Room at the ISU Pond Student Union building.

He also recognized the family members of each graduate for their support and thanked all the agencies that have supported the program throughout its existence.

“Without their guidance and support, the ISU Law Enforcement Program ceases to exist,” Case said.

Case said working in law enforcement is an important job that takes a special kind of person. It requires sacrifice and commitment.

“This is so much more than a job,” Case said. “It’s a calling, which you’ve answered. You are a special, select chosen few.”

Case said all the graduates have met the requirements needed to complete their education, but the real test will begin when they start their new positions.

“The real challenge is going to come when the devil jumps up in front of you, and you have to react in the right way,” Case said. “How you react then is your true test.”

Case advised the graduates to treat everyone with respect, no matter how they are treated in return. He said many of the people officers interact with are at their worst point and are angry about their situations.

“Most of the time, they’re mad at the situation and what you represent,” Case said. “It’s rarely personal. Keep in mind that you have no idea what demons they’re fighting.”

Chance Randall, class president, also spoke during the ceremony. He expressed gratitude to each instructor for the dedication they showed while training the cadets.

“These guys have put in a lot of time and effort with us,” Randall said.

Randall said one thing he wanted each of his fellow graduates to remember as they embark on their careers was to put maximum effort into everything they do.

“As we take on the many duties required of a law enforcement officer, attack each one with maximum effort,” Randall said. “Every victim, suspect and citizen we interact with deserve our maximum effort.”

Randall said each graduate should also remember not to let the demands of law enforcement and personal struggles weaken them.

“During those hard days, don’t weaken,” Randall said. “Keep giving your maximum effort. If you are struggling, be honest with yourself. Ask for help when you need it.”

Randall challenged his fellow graduates to be the standard in each of their departments. He said law enforcement is a blue-collar job, but it still requires high levels of professionalism.

“We are often shaped by the culture in which we work,” Randall said. “Train as often as you can. Take your physical and mental health seriously.”

Randall will serve in the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.