Black River Technical College’s Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) held its Fall 2022 graduation ceremony on Friday, Nov. 18 for the 47 officers who completed the Basic Police Training Course.
Poinsett County Sheriff Kevin Molder addressed the graduating class during the ceremony held in the Randolph County Development Center on the Pocahontas campus.
After Sheriff Molder’s address, the top LETA cadets from class 2022-B were recognized. Josiah Smith of the Harrison Police Department earned the Top Overall Award, which is obtained by having the highest overall average in the areas of academics, firearms, and physical fitness. United States Veteran Nathan Barker earned 2nd in this category. Michael Price of the Paragould Police Department and Devin Cole of the Pocahontas Police Department tied for 3rd.
Top Physical Fitness awards went to United States Veteran Nathan Barker, 1st; Josiah Smith of the Harrison Police Department and Eric Otey of the Jonesboro Police Department tied for 2nd; and Trey Howard of the Marked Tree Police Department, 3rd.
The Top Academic awards went to Josiah Smith of the Harrison Police Department, 1st; John Barnett of the Mammoth Springs Police Department, 2nd; and Gary Furnish of the Arkansas Highway Police Department, 3rd.
Top EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operations Course) students were Jacob Teel of the Pangburn Police Department, 1st; Dusty Brewer of the Cross County Sheriff’s Office, 2nd; and Josiah Smith of the Harrison Police Department, 3rd.
United States Veteran Nathan Barker, firing at a 98.6% accuracy, earned the top Firearms Award; Benjamin Bass of the Jonesboro Police Department, firing at a 97.4% accuracy, earned 2nd place; and John Barber of the Randolph County Sheriff Office, firing at a 93.2% accuracy, earned 3rd place.
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.