Eighteen cadets were sworn in to the St. Petersburg Police Department Wednesday.

  • Former NFL player among cadets sworn in
  • New officers understand why parents worry
  • Swearing in comes in wake of officer shootings

It was a dream come true for 20-year-old Jake Yancey, who started as a general Explorer with the St. Petersburg Police Explorers in 2010.

"For as long as I can remember, this is exactly what I wanted to do," Yancey said.


Explorer Jake Yancey started as a general Explorer with the St. Petersburg Police Explorer in June 2010. He was sworn in as a St. Petersburg Police officer on Wednesday, June 27. (Photos: St. Petersburg Police Dept.)

Yancey will start walking the thin blue line during one of the most dangerous times in law enforcement history. Multiple police-involved shootings have led to national protests, and this month eight officers were killed in ambushes in Dallas and Baton Rouge.

Yancey said he is always asked the same question: Is he scared?

Yancey said he is confident in his career choice, but while his parents have supported him along the way they can't help but worry.

"They hit the street very soon and that day is going to be tough," said his mother, Jennifer Yancey. "But he's a great young man and he will do very well, and he knows to keep in touch and let me know he's OK."

Fellow officer Camren Hudson will be making some phone calls of his own.

The former NFL player turned police officer said his grandmother sends him a text message to stay safe every day.

"I tell them everything's OK, don't worry about me,” Hudson said. "I am going to keep in touch and make sure you guys hear from me every day."

The new officers will now spend a few months training with St. Pete Police field instructors.