Three Cadets Graduate from SGTC Law Enforcement Academy

Class 24-01 of the South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) Law Enforcement Academy (LEA) recently completed 18 weeks of intensive training to earn their POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification. The three cadets in the class were awarded their certifications in a ceremony on the Americus campus of SGTC in the academy classroom in front of an audience of friends, family and fellow first responders.

Class 24-01 consists of William Theodore Baldwin III of Americus, Matthew Allen Ray Rodgers of Cusseta and Foy Walker Jr. of Ellaville.

For the cadets, the ceremony marks the end of their basic training and the beginning of their professional careers in law enforcement.

SGTC President Dr. John Watford welcomed the cadets and attendees, and stressed the importance of the occasion and the value of law enforcement in American society. “These graduates didn’t choose to enter law enforcement for the money,” Watford said. “They did it because they want to serve the community and they believe in law and order. They want to be a part of something larger than themselves.”

Following the welcome, Cadet Matthew Rodgers offered the invocation and led the room in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. LEA Director Brett Murray then offered a class overview of the attendees and relaying the intensity of their coursework before announcing scholarships and awards to the class.

Cadet Rodgers was awarded the Lou Crouch Law Enforcement Scholarship; Cadet Baldwin earned the academic achievement award; and Cadet Walker was honored as the Class Representative, after which he spoke on behalf of the class.

“We have all learned a solid foundation in law enforcement and appreciate all the officers and Major Murray for sharing their expertise with us,” Walker said. “Now it will be up to us to continue our education and become a valuable addition to the communities we serve.”

After Walker’s remarks, President Watford and Brett Murray presented the cadets with their certificates, and Cadet Baldwin closed the ceremony with a benediction.

Cadets in the SGTC Law Enforcement Academy undergo 18 weeks and over 700 hours of intense mental and physical training. LEA graduates receive 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.