Ferguson Academy Remembers Officer Anthony Ferguson of Alamogordo
July 16, 2024, marks a special day of remembrance for Alamogordo City Police Officer Anthony Ferguson, who gave the ultimate sacrifice while on duty a year ago. Officer Ferguson’s dedication, bravery, and commitment to the community will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched. End of Watch: July 16, 2023.
In his memory, Alamogordo Public Schools, the City of Alamogordo Police, and the Fire Department have partnered to launch the Ferguson Academy.
“Officer Ferguson had a deep affection and commitment to our community, particularly towards the youth. This is why the collaboration between the Alamogordo Public Schools and the City of Alamogordo holds such significance. It serves as a tribute to Officer Ferguson in a manner that authentically reflects his values, and I believe he would be proud of it,” shared Stephanie Hernandez, Assistant City Manager.
The Inaugural Ferguson Academy
The first week of APD’s inaugural Ferguson Academy concluded on July 7th.
Day One: Students experienced the application process for becoming a Police Officer, which included a physical assessment of pushups, sit-ups, running a mile and a half, and sprinting 300 meters.
They also participated in a physical assessment for firefighting, which began with two minutes on a stair master and continued with dragging a fire hose, hauling two K12 chainsaws around obstacles, and performing ladder skills.
Rest of Week One: Excluding the 4th of July holiday, the week was filled with learning about taking notes, gathering and processing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and interrogating suspects. Several scenarios, including fire investigations, allowed students to apply their new skills, guided by APD officers and AFD firefighters.
Week Two: Building Skills
Week two of the Ferguson Academy has officially concluded. Students delved deeper into essential law enforcement skills.
Defensive Tactics: Students learned techniques to protect themselves and others in various situations, understanding how to stay safe and effective on duty.
Use of Force Training: This training helped students grasp the importance of handling individuals under pressure.
Traffic Stops: Students practiced safe and efficient protocols for handling different scenarios.
Building Clearing: Participating in realistic scenarios, students enhanced their teamwork, communication, and tactical skills.
Final Week and Continuing Legacy
The students are now in the final week of the Ferguson Academy, which ends on July 19, 2024. They continue to learn and remember the dedication and commitment to the community exemplified by Officer Anthony Ferguson.
Chief of Police David Kunihiro emphasized the program’s significance: “The Ferguson Academy stands as a testament to the remarkable legacy of Officer Anthony Ferguson, a man who served his community and ultimately lost his life serving and protecting the Alamogordo community. At its core, the Ferguson Academy symbolizes our commitment to fostering positive community relationships. Moreover, it provides students with invaluable firsthand exposure to police and fire operations, paving the way for potential careers right here in our local community.”
A Testament to Enduring Legacy
The Ferguson Academy is not only a testament to Officer Ferguson’s enduring legacy but also a reflection of the unwavering dedication of Alamogordo’s educational and public safety institutions to the betterment of their community.
Through this partnership, Alamogordo Public Schools and the City of Alamogordo reaffirm their shared commitment to nurturing talent, promoting safety, and fostering a spirit of service among the youth of Alamogordo.
