Phoenix Police Academy Graduation Spotlight - Officer Miguel Vasquez

PHOENIX — Miguel Vasquez is one of 40 recruits to walk across the Phoenix Police Academy graduation stage Thursday, officially becoming a police officer.

Miguel is the oldest of his class at 44 years old. He was nominated to be class speaker, and received the award of exemplary recruit. But there's even more to Miguel's story.

Miguel grew up in Phoenix with his cousin Rolando Tirado. As kids, they made big plans together to become police officers.

"We saw a lot of injustices I think growing up," Officer Vasquez said." And we always thought that we were always going to leave this place better than how we came into it."

Miguel went on to have a career with the American Red Cross. Rolando, however, followed through on their plan, becoming a Buckeye Police officer. But, in 2011, Officer Rolando Tirado was shot and killed while stopping a vehicle on 35th Avenue and Buckeye Road.

"It was devastating," Officer Vasquez said. "We were very, very close. We lived together for many many years. We were inseparable."

After his cousin's death, Miguel rethought his career. After 20 years of working in biomedical services for the Red Cross, he came back to that childhood dream that he and his cousin had once shared.

"His end of watch ended, and I think I'm picking up where he left off," Officer Vasquez said.

The process of getting to graduation day was not easy. Officer Vasquez said he had some added challenges at his age! But, his cousin has been with him every step of the way.

"I see him when I was at the ceremony today," Officer Vasquez said. "I saw him out of the corner of my eye. He was looking at me. Just his smile and the way he would just look at me when we did mischievous things as little kids. Just knowing that you’re here now. We’re together now. I just, I think he would be very proud."

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.