Future police cadets speak out

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Future Austin police officers set to start school in September have come forward for the first time following the city’s recommendation to postpone their cadet class. The move is part of the $42 million worth of budget cuts released Monday.

"It was really disappointing,” said Adam Stahl, one of the 90 cadets slated for the class.

Seven months ago Stahl and his wife, Tonya, decided he would away from a lucrative career as a corporate law attorney in Austin to follow his passion of defending and protecting the city.

Stahl said, "We've had to make substantial changes to our lifestyle in anticipation for the change of career."

It was no easy decision with a 13-year old son and a set of 7-year-old triplets at home. He stopped representing clients before he entered into a series of mental, physical and aptitude tests. He and his classmates had to purchase $2,000 worth of gear in preparation including a gun, holster, baton, backpack and running shoes.

"It's been an emotional roller coaster ride to say the least,” said future police cadet Cole Reinarz.

Reinarz said farewell to a coaching and teaching career at Connally High School in Pflugerville last summer to become a cop. He has two sons, ages two and seven at home. It was no easy decision for him and wife to changes courses so he could pursue his dream.

"It's not about our jobs, it's a passion to help people,” said Reinarz.

It is the help they believe will be compromised if their cadet class is delayed even longer. If the September class is delayed one year, new officers would not be patrolling the street until the summer of 2011. City manager Marc Ott has said the safety of the city will not be compromised.

Right now, the cadets are still set to take their seats in September, but with a budget cut on the table to cancel all classes next year, that could change.

"I think the people of Austin value their safety and I think they value what the police force offers for them,” said Stahl.

The cadets want to see the city they may someday serve, speak up and fight for the future of the class at upcoming town hall meetings. The future officers continue to keep their focus, despite an uncertain road ahead.

"You just take things as they come,” said Reinarz. “And you prepare yourself so that when you're called upon, you're ready to go."