Law enforcement academy holds Veterans Day early

Veterans Day came early at the state law enforcement training academy in Carson City.

About 45 highway patrol troopers, capitol police, investigators, sheriff's cadets and other law enforcement trainees saluted colors Wednesday morning to honor the contributions of America's veterans.

Nevada National Guard Master Sgt. Larry Perkins, who helped raise the flag, said honoring veterans has become more important with U.S. involvement in recent conflicts.

"It's a good thing to appreciate what they've done," he said. "It seems like veterans get more recognition now than prior to the Gulf War."

Academy Commander Paul Pabon, who has been heading up the state's new officer training program at the facility, said that because law enforcement officers act as a "paramilitary" organization, they honor military tradition.

Several of the cadets have a record of military service.

"We show respect for the flag and what it symbolizes," he said. "We also have our own flag ceremony every day."

Wednesday's special flag raising was held a day before the official veteran's day because state employees have the day off.

"It's how we start every day," Pabon said.

Three National Guard Color Guard members raised the flag while academy cadets stood in special formation in honor of American veterans. State Sen. Lawrence E. Jacobsen, R-Minden, was also in attendance.

The Department of Motor Vehicle and Public Safety Training Division was created during the 1999 Nevada legislative session as a result of the separation of the Peace Officers Standards and Training, or post, program. They are currently teaching the first class of 29 cadets.