BRTC LETA Graduates 51st Class

On Thursday, November 14, Black River Technical College’s (BRTC) Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) held the Fall 2024 graduation ceremony for the 37 officers who completed the Basic Police Training Course.

The 51^st graduating LETA class received recognition and a heavy thanks from BRTC President Dr. Martin Eggensperger and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Brad Baine at the beginning of the ceremony. Graduates were also greeted by their class speaker, Emily Flugrad of the Paragould Police Department.

Colonel Mike Hagar, Secretary of Public Safety and Director of Arkansas State Police, was the keynote speaker. He reminded the officers that public safety was now their top priority and the State of Arkansas depends on them. However, he also told them that they needed to take care of their mental health and not shut out help. Colonel Hagar also addresses the officers’ families during his speech. He told families that their position is a hard position to be in, but the officers need someone to be in their corner and to take care of them while they are protecting the public.

Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training Director Chris Chapmond presented the United Police Supply’s Jonathan Schmidt Memorial Scholarship to Corey Rowe of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. 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. The $500 scholarship will be used for his professional development.

Chapmond also presented the Jami L. Cook Award of Excellence to Kaleb Burns of the Arkansas Highway Police. 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 them from their peers.

BRTC LETA faculty recognized and awarded the top cadets from class 2024-B. Jacob Harris of the Paragould Police Department was named Top Overall, which is earned by having the overall highest average in the areas of academics, firearms, EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operations Course), and physical fitness. Connor Frazier of the Blytheville Police Department earned second overall. Logan Scott of the Clinton Police Department earned third.

Top Academic Awards went to Jacob Harris of the Paragould Police Department, 1^st; Logan Scott of the Clinton Police Department, 2^nd; and Connor Frazier of the Blytheville Police Department, 3^rd.

Top Firearms were Sarah Bone of the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office, 1^st; Lance Davis of the Monette Police Department, 2^nd; and Wesley Hudson of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, 3^rd.

Top EVOC Awards went to Jacob Harris of the Paragould Police Department, 1^st; Micah Hogan of the Lake City Police Department, 2^nd; and Kody Frazier of the Paragould Police Department, 3^rd.

Top Physical Fitness students were Logan Scott of the Clinton Police Department, 1^st; Jacob Harris of the Paragould Police Department, 2^nd; and Dylan Works of the Paragould Police Department, 3^rd.

For pictures of the event follow this link https://www.flickr.com/photos/blackrivertech/albums/72177720322039402/

For more information about the Law Enforcement Training Academy visit https://blackrivertech.edu/college-coursework/academic-units/service-programs/leta/.