South Georgia Technical College Law Enforcement Academy Honors Graduates
South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) recently celebrated the graduation of Class 25-01 of its Law Enforcement Academy during a formal ceremony held on the Americus campus. Twelve cadets were honored for completing one of the region’s most rigorous training programs, marking a significant step in their law enforcement careers.
SGTC President Dr. John Watford welcomed guests and praised the graduates for their perseverance and commitment. “This is a great day for South Georgia Tech, a great day for our Law Enforcement Academy, and a really great day for these graduates,” said Watford. “They’ve completed a challenging and honorable journey, and we’re proud to stand with them.”
Dr. Watford also recognized local law enforcement officials, military veterans, and SGTC staff members who contributed to the program’s success, including Director Jim Mitchell, Instructor Lt. Joshua Blake, and former program leader Brett Murray. Watford emphasized the essential role law enforcement officers play in preserving public peace and expressed gratitude for their willingness to serve.
Cadet Alexander McClendon delivered the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Cadet Caelan Bush.
Director Jim Mitchell addressed the audience, highlighting the Academy’s unique intensity. “We are a tough-love bunch here,” he said. “We forge protectors of society—people who are prepared to stand between the public and chaos.” He described the training process as both physically and mentally demanding, designed to equip cadets with the skills and mindset to survive and lead in an often dangerous profession.
The SGTC Law Enforcement Academy Class 25-01 is composed of twelve graduates representing law enforcement agencies across the region. These include Lascelles A. Anderson, Caelan R. Bush, Heath L. Holloway, Alexander C. McClendon, Harold J. Melton, and Sean C. Reed of the Americus Police Department; Leylan C. Davis and Joseph J. Tanner of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office; Malia A. Harden and Christopher N. Sherwood of the Butler Police Department; James D. King of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office; and Jasmine N. Williams of the Blakely Police Department. Each graduate completed the academy’s demanding training program and is now prepared to serve their communities with professionalism, integrity, and dedication.
Several honors were presented during the ceremony. Cadet Christopher Sherwood received both the Lou Crouch Law Enforcement Scholarship and the Academic Achievement Award for maintaining the highest academic average. Cadet Joseph Tanner earned the Top Gun Award for his outstanding firearms score. Cadet James King, elected class representative by his peers, was recognized for his leadership and delivered remarks on behalf of the graduating class. He reflected on the group’s transformation over the 18-week program: “When we arrived, we were just 14 cadets who didn’t know each other. Today, we’re family.”
Sean Reed received the Sandra Smallwood and Patrick Sondron Memorial Scholarship, and post-certified officer Jeff Gordy was honored with the Smarr-Smith Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Scholarship, presented in memory of Nick Smarr and Jody Smith.
Lt. Joshua Blake closed the ceremony with remarks on the cadets’ growth and resilience. “The person sitting next to you isn’t just a classmate,” he said. “They’re someone you may one day trust with your life.” He encouraged graduates to remember why they chose this path and to uphold their values as they move forward.
The benediction was delivered by Cadet Jasmine Williams, who offered a heartfelt prayer for strength, courage, and compassion.
South Georgia Technical College’s Law Enforcement Academy prepares cadets through intensive physical, academic, and ethical training. Class 25-01 demonstrated exceptional resolve and unity—living out their class motto: “Come as one, leave as one.”
For more information about the Law Enforcement Academy or other programs at SGTC, visit www.southgatech.edu.