By Su Ann Bird
AMERICUS – South Georgia Technical College Law Enforcement Academy Class 21-02 has completed their training and their Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) completion certificates were presented in a small ceremony in the SGTC LEA classroom in the presence of instructors, family and friends.
SGTC LEA Class 21-02 graduates included: Marcellous Deshun of Arlington, GA; Richard Franklin of Americus, GA; and Julie Soto of Oglethorpe, GA.
“At a time when many people have made a choice not to pursue a career in law enforcement, you have ignored these things and chosen to be part of the thin blue line that enables us to lead a peaceful society,” said SGTC President Dr John Watford as he welcomed the graduates and their families and officer colleagues to the small graduation ceremony. “Your decision to obey and enforce the laws of this nation stands between us and chaos. Thank you for your willingness to serve, and thank you for choosing South Georgia Technical College for your POST certification training. “
Before continuing the graduation ceremony, Dr. Watford named retired vice president of student affairs Vanessa Wall for nearly two decades at the college. “Chief Wall played an important role in launching the South Georgia Technical College Criminal Justice Program and Law Enforcement Academy. It is one of the reasons we are all here today to honor these students. On behalf of the faculty and staff of South Georgia Technical College, I want to congratulate you on your retirement and thank you for all you have done to make this college a better place for the faculty, staff, and students. It is very fitting that we do this in the law enforcement classroom in the presence of the students. “
Dr. Watford is seen above with Cadet Marcellous Deshun, who has been named LEA Class Representative Class 21-02 and Top Gun Award Winner. He also received the Chief Vanessa Wall Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement Academy Initial Scholarship and the Lt. Michael Sangster Scholarship.
Photo by Su Ann Bird
Following this presentation, Brett Murray, Director of the Law Enforcement Academy at South Georgia Technical College, made a note to the LEA alumni and their families. “I am very proud of each of these graduates and their dedication to completing this program. Despite many obstacles and challenges, they persevered and earned the right to graduate and get their POST certification. They have completed over 700 hours of training and have learned to look after and support one another, just like other officers when they take up their duties. “
He also gave the three ideas or suggestions for a successful career in law enforcement. “Never stop learning. Keep following the law and let the law guide you in everything you do,” said Murray. “And finally finding ways to make life better. Find someone to help you. Be attentive, helpful, and look out for others. ”Murray concluded, reminding new officials to“ honor those who went before you and look out to your family and the people who are important in your life. to thank ”.
Two Class 21-02 cadets were awarded class prizes at the end of their POST certification training. Marcellous Deshun of Arlington, GA, received the Class Representative and Top Gun awards from Director Murray. He received the “Top Gun” award for outstanding performance at the shooting range and was selected for this award by his colleagues. Julie Soto from Oglethorpe received the “Academic Achievement” award for the highest class average.
In addition to the class prizes, all three students were recognized as scholarship holders in grades 21-02. Marcellous Deshun received the Lt. Michael Sangster Law Enforcement Academy and the newly established scholarship for Chief Vanessa Wall Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement. Richard Franklin of America received the Smallwood-Sondron Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship and Julie Soto received the Lou Crouch Law Enforcement Scholarship.
The history of the Law Enforcement Academy at South Georgia Technical College began 13 years ago. South Georgia Technical College was selected as one of six Georgia technical colleges in August 2008 to participate in a pilot program that would enable new law enforcement officers to receive their basic law enforcement education at a state college while earning college credits. As a regional training center for POST-certified law enforcement officers, South Georgia Technical College has been able to support local and regional law enforcement agencies and provide additional training to students interested in the criminal justice field.
LEA graduates received their Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification from South Georgia Technical College, as well as a technical credit certificate that can be used towards a diploma or associate degree in criminal justice.
The Law Enforcement Academy program lasts 18 weeks and most recruits qualify for the HOPE grant and other forms of financial assistance. Admission standards require that all students undergo a thorough background exam and adhere to all rules set out by the state POST council. Students must also achieve minimum scores in English, reading, and math.
For more information about the Law Enforcement Academy, contact the Law Enforcement Academy office at 229.931.2716 or SGTC Law Enforcement Academy Director Brett Murray at 229.931.2756.
