BRTC Holds LETA Class 2024-A Graduation

Black River Technical College’s Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) held its Spring 2024-A graduation ceremony on Thursday, April 4 for the 39 officers who completed the Basic Police Training Academy.

The Jonesboro Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Korley Martin, played bagpipe as the LETA graduates entered the auditorium.

Bobby J. Andrews of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office was chosen by his peers to act as class speaker. After Andrews’ address, the top LETA cadets from class 2024-A were recognized.

Aaron D. Clayton of the Rector Police Department earned the Top Overall Award, which is obtained by having the highest overall average in the areas of academics, firearms, physical fitness, and emergency vehicle operations (EVOC). Eric T. Wise of the Walnut Ridge Police Department earned 2^nd in this category. Michael C. Anderson of the Mountain Home Police Department and Bryan E. Chesser of the Pocahontas Police Department tied for 3^rd.

Top physical training awards went to Mitchell L. Hill of the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office, 1st; Aaron J. Baker of the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office, Aaron P. Seymore of the Highland Police Department, and Cade W. Sullinger of the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office tied for 2^nd.

Class 2024-A had an academic average of 91 percent. The top contenders for the top academic award were only decimal points apart. The top academic awards went to Logan E. H. Powell of the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office, 1^st; Eric T. Wise of the Walnut Ridge Police Department, 2^nd; and Jared L. Roark of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, 3^rd.

Top EVOC students were Michael C. Anderson of the Mountain Home Police Department, 1^st; Larry G. Brown II of the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, 2^nd; and Bryan E. Chesser of the Pocahontas Police Department, 3^rd.

Eight recruits scored a perfect 100 percent in firing accuracy. The winners of the top firearms award are from a tiebreaker between the eight tying officers.

Michael Haydu of the Mountain Home Police Department, firing at a 98.2% accuracy, earned the top firearms award; Aaron D. Clayton of the Rector Police Department, firing at a 97.2% accuracy, earned 2nd place. Matthew A. Burkes of the Dardanelle Police Department and Eric T. Wise of the Walnut Ridge Police Department, firing at 96.6% accuracy, tied for 3rd place.

Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training Director Chris Chapmond presented the United Police Supply’s Jonathan Schmidt Memorial Scholarship to Bobby J. Andrews of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.

Bobby J. Andrews

Bobby J. Andrews was selected for the scholarship by the LETA instructional staff based on his excellent attitude and work ethic. The $500 scholarship awarded to Andrews will be used for his professional development.

The United Police Supply’s Jonathan Schmidt Memorial Scholarship was named in honor of Trumann Police Officer Jonathan Schmidt, a 2007-B LETA graduate, who was killed in the line of duty.

Michael C. Anderson

Chapmond also presented the Jami L. Cook Award of Excellence to Michael C. Anderson of the Mountain Home Police Department. The award is presented to an exceptional student who exhibits an exemplary commitment to ethical service as a law enforcement officer in the State of Arkansas. The student’s foundation of excellence should be demonstrated through perseverance, resilience, and integrity-driven conduct that distinguishes the student from their peers

Director Chapmond then addressed the recruits as the keynote speaker. He congratulated the class on “joining the 154 new officers joining the ranks throughout Arkansas” this month and reminded the officers to always strive for excellence.

For more information about the LETA program at BRTC, visit https://blackrivertech.org/academics/service-programs/leta or contact Jared Bassham at (870) 248-4913 or email at jared.bassham@blackrivertech.edu.