Press Release – Ten Howard Payne University students were recently recognized for the successful completion of the university’s Spanish for Law Enforcement course. Each student received a certificate recognizing his or her accomplishment.

Dr. Danny Brunette-López, associate professor of Spanish and chair of the Department of Modern Languages, explained the importance of the course.

“Spanish for Law Enforcement is so necessary in our society today,” he said. “I believe that by knowing a second language, in this case Spanish, many situations faced by law enforcement officers can more quickly come to a peaceful resolution.”

The students learned vocabulary and phrases in Spanish and were taught the importance of establishing trust between members of the community and law enforcement officers.

“The students completed assigned tasks professionally and have worked together as a tight-knit group for the common good,” said Dr. Brunette-López. “I am so proud of what they have accomplished.”

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Lynn Humeniuk, director of HPU’s criminal justice program and associate professor of criminal justice and sociology, said a working knowledge of the Spanish language is an important skill that sets these candidates apart from many others entering the law enforcement profession.

“These students are well equipped to handle a wide variety of situations,” she said. “I look forward to seeing the great things they will accomplish in their law enforcement careers.”

The students who completed the course were Derick Boese, sophomore from Mercedes; Sebastian Contreras, senior from Brownwood; Jordan Easterling, junior from Junction; Lorenzo Flores, senior from Brownwood; Matthew Gomez, sophomore from Brownwood; Maria Mireles, junior from Brownwood; Krystal Moreno, junior from Marion; Kyle Ramon, senior from Floresville; Jacob Salazar, junior from Lockhart; and Serayah Smith, junior from Fredericksburg.