Law Enforcement Graduate Builds His Career Through Education and Experience

Growing up as a three-time world champion in martial arts, Marcos Ibanez is now channeling that dedication into something else he's passionate about - building a career in law enforcement. Ibanez, a 2014 Metro Tech Law Enforcement program graduate, attended the program tuition free as a high school student from ASTEC Charter High School. He spent two years in the program earning certifications and gaining knowledge he applies today as a police officer for the Oklahoma Christian University Police Department. 

His post-high school career began with Elite Security, and while guest speaking to new students in his former Metro Tech classroom, he was introduced to the spokesperson for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, who encouraged him to apply for a security position working at the Oklahoma State Capitol. At 19-years old, he was the youngest person to work security at the Capitol and spent four years building relationships.

"My teacher at Metro Tech, Chief Eastridge, helped us make so many connections during our time in the program that I already knew so many people working at the Capitol. I got to provide security during the teacher walkout and interact with many of my former teachers," Ibanez said.

Ibanez graduated from OSU-OKC in 2017 with an associate's degree in police science, and will graduate with his bachelor's degree in emergency responder and administration in the spring of 2020.

He is 23-years old.

"Metro Tech was an incredible experience. I bonded with students from different schools, different cultures and difference backgrounds, and we all became like family."