Building Skills, Shaping Communities
The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) isn’t just about training officers; it’s about shaping lives and communities. For two King County Corrections Officers, Amos Wambu and Omar Almayyahi, the WSCJTC was more than a training program—it was a turning point in their unique journeys to law enforcement.
Amos Wambu: From Kenya’s Presidential Detail to King County Corrections
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Amos Wambu always dreamed of a life in law enforcement. He rose through the ranks to join Kenya’s elite paramilitary police unit, tasked with protecting dignitaries, including the president and vice president. “We were the last line of defense,”
Amos explained, reflecting on the intensity of his work. His role demanded not just skill but unwavering commitment.
Years later, Amos found himself in King County, rediscovering his passion for law enforcement through WSCJTC’s training. “This has been one of the best experiences since I came to the U.S.,” Amos said. “The training isn’t just technical—it’s personal. The instructors connect with you. That’s something we didn’t have back home”.
Amos sees his new role as a continuation of his service, and he hopes to return to WSCJTC someday—not as a trainee, but as a trainer. “I want to help others the way I’ve been helped,” he said. Amos's journey from Kenya to King County has come full circle.
Omar Almayyahi: Facing Fears and Finding Purpose
Omar Almayyahi’s path to law enforcement couldn’t be more different. Born in Iraq, Omar’s family fled to Jordan when he was a child. Life as a refugee was hard—discrimination and poverty defined much of his early years. Yet, Omar found an outlet in boxing, training for hours daily. “I wanted my name to be remembered,” he said, recalling his undefeated record in the ring.
When Omar immigrated to the U.S. in 2011 after a decade-long wait, he faced new challenges: learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and starting from scratch. But Omar was determined. “Corrections helped me face my fears. As a kid, I was scared of law enforcement. Now, I want to show people that officers are here to help,” he said.
During his training at WSCJTC, Omar learned more than technical skills. “We were taught to stay professional and compassionate, even in stressful situations. It’s about helping others and showing that someone cares,” he said. For Omar, law enforcement isn’t about power—it’s about purpose.
Bridging Backgrounds, Building Communities
Amos and Omar’s stories are a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of meaningful training. At WSCJTC, they found the tools they needed to succeed and a community that understands the human side of law enforcement.
These two officers—a former Kenyan presidential guard and an undefeated boxer—now work together to serve King County. Their journeys remind us that behind every badge is a story, and behind every story is a person who has chosen to protect and serve.
In their own ways, Amos and Omar embody the spirit of WSCJTC: a commitment to learning, growing, and building trust within the community. They remind us that law enforcement isn’t just about duty—it’s about making a difference.
Check out the Behind the Badge series on YouTube for the full video.
