South Georgia Technical College Law Enforcement Academy Class 21-01 completed their training and were presented with their Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certificates of completion in a quiet ceremony with only each other and their instructors present due to COVID-19 precautions.
The graduates of SGTC’s LEA Class 21-01 included: T’Erra Wilkerson of Baxley, Alicia Childs of Albany, sponsored by the Dawson Police Department; Matthew Perrine of Americus, sponsored by the Americus Police Department; and Nasier Vazquez of Valdosta, sponsored by the Sylvester Police Department.
“We had hoped that we would be able to have a graduation ceremony for Class 21-01, but even with COVID-19 restrictions beginning to lift, we decided to have a recognition ceremony in our regular classroom with just the cadets and the instructors,” said Law Enforcement Academy Director Brett Murray. “I am very proud of each of these graduates and their commitment to complete this program. Despite many obstacles and challenges, they persevered and have earned the right to graduate and receive their POST certification. As the COVID-19 numbers decline, we hope to invite each of these graduates back along with the graduates from Class 20-01 and Class 20-02 to participate in our next full graduation this fall.”
South Georgia Technical College was able to continue offering its Law Enforcement Academy during the COVID-19 pandemic after meeting several criteria from the Georgia Post Council and the Technical College System of Georgia following guidelines from the state. These criteria were designed to establish an enhanced infection control protocol to better protect students and staff while allowing the continuation of their training. Utilizing social distancing, masks and rigorous cleaning along with a check in procedure twice daily, cadets and staff adapted to work towards their goal.
Two cadets from Class 21-01 were presented with class awards at the end of their POST certification training. Nasier Vazquez of Valdosta, was presented with the “Academic Achievement” and “Top Gun” award by Director Murray. He received the “Top Gun” award for excelling on the firing range and earned the “Academic Achievement” award for having the highest class average. Alicia Childs of Albany earned the “Class Representative” award. She was selected by her peers for this award.
In addition to the class awards, all four students were recognized as scholarship recipients from class 21-01. Alicia Childs and Nasier Vazquez were presented with the Lt. Michael Sangster Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship. Matthew Perrine was awarded the Smallwood-Sondron Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship and T’Erra Wilkerson received the Lou Crouch Law Enforcement Scholarship.
The history of the South Georgia Technical College Law Enforcement Academy began 13 years ago. South Georgia Technical College was selected as one of six technical colleges in Georgia in August 2008 to participate in a pilot program that would allow new law enforcement officers to receive their basic law enforcement training at a state technical college and obtain college credit at the same time. By becoming a regional training center for POST certified Law Enforcement Officers, South Georgia Technical College has been able to provide support to local and regional law enforcement agencies as well as provide additional training opportunities for students interested in entering the Criminal Justice field.
The LEA graduates received their POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification from South Georgia Technical College as well as a technical certificate of credit that can be utilized toward a diploma or Associate Degree in Criminal Justice.
The Law Enforcement Academy program takes 18 weeks to complete and most recruits qualify for the HOPE Grant and other forms of financial aid. Admission standards require all students to undergo a thorough background check and adhere to all rules as set forth by the state POST Council. Students will also have to meet 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.