01/17/2026
This morning, Deputy Chief East, Captain Lemons, and Officer Peppered spoke with the Wichita Police Department’s newest officers, who graduated yesterday.
Officer Peppered shared a few more words of encouragement and congratulated them as they begin the next phase of training.
Deputy Chief East asked them to hold onto their “why.”
Why they chose this job.
And what will keep them grounded when it gets hard.
Captain Lemons reminded them they took an oath to uphold the Constitution. And he told them to carry it as a daily reminder.
Then Deputy Cheif East, Captain Lemons and Officer Peppered handed each new officer two items they can carry every day.
A bracelet to keep their “why” close.
And a copy of the United States Constitution.