In spring 2025, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) organized an art contest for high school students to design a mural for its Specialized Enforcement Division facility. The contest aimed to highlight the division’s various units, such as the K9 Unit, Tactical Enforcement Unit, and Motors Unit.
Initially, CSPD planned to select one winner from the student submissions. However, after receiving a donation of paint and supplies from The Home Depot at 7120 North Academy Blvd., and due to the high quality of designs by Emma Rayman and Jenna Rahal, Chief Adrian Vasquez chose both artists as winners. Both began painting their murals in June 2025.
Jenna Rahal was a senior at Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy when she entered the contest and was also taking classes at Pikes Peak State College. She said, “I just felt a sense of awe that I’m able to give this piece, and my time in bringing it to life to the department. Not because they chose me through the contest, but I felt like I got to give a gift to them. It was really inspiring to do that.” Jenna has since graduated high school and continues her studies at PPSC.
Emma Rayman submitted her concept while she was a junior at Pine Creek High School in Academy District 20; she is now in her senior year there. “Seeing that I could bring a smile, or light, to such a stressful job was so meaningful to me because they protect the community, they have to do all of this work, and so knowing that I can at least bring a little bit of light and de-stressor into that made me feel really good,” said Emma Rayman. “Knowing that I can bring joy to officers through this mural means the absolute world to me. I’m really glad it’s in the Specialized Enforcement Division because they deal with some of the most stressful stuff.”
The murals are now displayed at CSPD’s Specialized Enforcement Division facility. Chief Adrian Vasquez commented on their significance: “This project is a powerful example of how engaging youth in positive ways can strengthen our community. Emma and Jenna’s artwork not only brightens our building, but they also help to build a bridge between young people and law enforcement, showing how creativity and collaboration can foster mutual respect and understanding, while honoring the men and women of CSPD. These works of art are now part of CSPD history.”
