In the midst of tragedy for men and women in blue, there's still a strong passion to serve and protect.
It's been a year since Jared Schorr, 23, graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy Program at Palm Beach State College. He is looking for a job on the force in what may be one of the darkest times for law enforcement yet.
"It's only strengthened my passion to do what I want to do in life," said Schorr.
Last July he graduated at the class guide. We spoke to him during his time in the program when riots were breaking out in Baltimore after Freddie Gray died in police custody. His then fiance, now wife of 10 months was concerned at the time and is especially concerned now that officers are being targeted and killed.
"It just makes me want to get out there more and start my career," added Schorr.
When Schorr went through the program last year, one of his instructors at the time was Nouman Raja. Later in the year Schorr was surprised to learn Raja was terminated from the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department after shooting and killing Corey Jones while on the job. Since the shooting, Jones' family has worked with police and worked towards keeping the peace between the community and law enforcement.
"It's not a good thing when our people are shooting at cops, good cops that do the right thing," said CJ Jones, Corey's brother.
Every month on the 18, CJ marks another month that Corey is gone by peacefully remembering his brother at the I-95 off ramp where he was killed. Schorr is grateful there are people like CJ who know not all officers are cut from the same cloth. It's what keeps his desire to get hired going during so much tragedy.
A Palm Beach State College representative says enrollment numbers for the college's law enforcement academy program continue to increase. Right now all classes are at full capacity.
