POCAHONTAS, AR Nov. 15 — Arkansas Director & State Homeland Security Advisor A.J. Gary was guest speaker at BRTC’s Law Enforcement Training Academy graduation held Friday, November 15 in the Randolph County Development Center on the Pocahontas Campus.
The 48 graduating officers and veterans completed a 13-week course that included instruction in standard police tactics, firearms, legal education, technical skills, and practical exercises. Officers are required to score at least 70% on each exam and consistently fire at least 80% during firearms training exercises in order to graduate.
Joshua Thompson, Rector Police Department, received the Top Overall Award, which is earned by having the highest overall average in the areas of academics, firearms, and physical fitness. Terry Green, US Veteran, won second in this category and Kyle McCann, Jacksonville Police Department, won third.
Top Academic award went to Sierra Lee, Jacksonville Police Department. Joshua Thompson, Rector Police Department, received the Top Firearms award. Top Physical Training award went to Jon Wongittilin, Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office. The Top Emergency Vehicle Operator Course(EVOC) award went to Jason Stumph, Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Chamblee Buchanan, of the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office was selected as class spokesman. Marck A. Echols, Jr., Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, opened the ceremony by singing the National Anthem.
Pictures are available on BRTC’s Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/blackrivertech/albums/72157711796883383
• Doug Cox, BRTC Board of Trustees member; A.J. Gary, Arkansas Director & State Homeland Security Advisor ; Steve Shults, BRTC Law Enforcement Training Academy Director; Dr. Martin Eggensprger, BRTC President; Bob Olvey, BRTC Board of Trustees member; Dr. Brad Baine, BRTC Vice President of Academic Affairs