College prepares students for life-threatening situations

A law enforcement academy in Pueblo is getting cadets ready for the worst-case scenarios.

Fourteen law enforcement officers in Colorado have been shot in the last three months.

Pueblo Community College Law Enforcement Academy instructors said they want to prepare future law enforcers for the life-threatening situations.

“We explain that very open and honestly to our cadets coming in. It’s their choice if they want to serve. If they do want to serve, then it is our obligation to make sure they are fully prepared,” instructor Ronald Leyba.

Leyba said cadets go from learning in the classroom to real life situations like going through active shooter exercises.

Cadet Josh Koen said he’s always wanted to be an officer. He also said he understands the risks to keep people safe.

“You prepare yourself mentally as best as you can that one day I could be asked to put my life down for somebody in my community or one of my fellow officers, and for me personally I have accepted that,” he said.

The academy lasts 18 weeks and if a cadet finishes the program, they will have gone through close to 700 hours of training.