The Pasadena Police Department added three new officers to its ranks and saw one of its lieutenants complete the FBI National Academy, the department announced in the city manager's weekly newsletter on July 16.

Lt. Edgar Sanchez graduated from Session #298 of the FBI National Academy, a 10-week residential program held at the FBI Academy on Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. FBI Director Kash Patel presented Sanchez with his diploma onstage at the graduation ceremony.

The program draws from the top tier of law enforcement leadership nationwide. Session #298 brought together 255 officers from 46 states, the District of Columbia, 26 countries, five military organizations, and four federal civilian agencies. Candidates must hold the rank of lieutenant or higher to be eligible, and the FBI describes graduates as representing the top 1 percent of senior-level law enforcement. Graduates earn 18 continuing education credits from the University of Virginia.

Chief Gene Harris and the department's command staff congratulated Sanchez on the achievement, according to the newsletter.

Separately, Officers Isaac Mendez, Loris Volery, and Kevin Martinez graduated from the Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy on Thursday, July 9, as members of Basic Academy Class 270. Their training covered criminal law, patrol procedures, defensive tactics, firearms, and community-oriented policing.

"Completing the academy is a significant milestone and an important first step in a career dedicated to public service," Chief Harris said in the newsletter. "We are proud of Officers Mendez, Volery, and Martinez for their commitment to excellence and look forward to the positive contributions they will make to our department and the Pasadena community."

The three officers are the second group of PPD recruits to graduate from the Orange County academy in 2026. A separate class of three officers completed the program in May, according to Colorado Boulevard News.

The department has not announced specific patrol assignments for the new officers. Residents can follow department updates at cityofpasadena.net/police or on Instagram at @pasadenapd.