NOV. 11 2021 - 2021 SCLEOTA Graduates
Graduates included Don Ahshapanek, Garrett Irwin, and Matthew Wooten of Carthage, MS; Tyler Massey of Sallis, MS; Pryce Hunter and David Soto of Brandon, MS; Michael Jones of Pinola, MS; Chris Rogers of Columbia.
Simpson County Law Enforcement Academy graduates thirteenth class
WESSON- Copiah-Lincoln Community College Workforce Education, in partnership with the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office, recently recognized students who completed the Simpson County Law Enforcement Officer Training Academy (SCLEOTA). Cadets participated in over 366 hours of rigorous training including, but not limited to, firearms, self-defense, use of force, civil liability, wildlife training, and active shooter. Upon successful completion, cadets are eligible to hold a part-time law enforcement training certificate as long as he or she is employed by a law enforcement agency.
SCLEOTA is authorized to teach under the State of MS Board of Minimum Standards and Training for Law Enforcement Officers. The academy is staffed by State Certified Law Enforcement Officers, directed by Simpson County Sheriff Paul Mullins, and managed by Co-Lin Workforce Education Coordinator Robin Mitchell.
The recent graduation event for Class XIII cadets was held at Co-Lin’s Simpson County Center and included a host of speakers and well-wishers. Mississippi 13th Circuit Court District Judge Matt Sullivan served as the keynote speaker. SCLEOTA Lead Instructor and Simpson County Sheriff’s Deputy Clay McPherson presented graduate recognitions including the Most Outstanding Overall Graduate (Top Cop) Matthew Wooten; Most Outstanding Firearms Graduate Chris Rogers; Most Outstanding Physical Fitness Award Pryce Hunter; Most Outstanding Academic Graduate Matthew Wooten.
Class XIII graduating cadets included Leake County Sheriff’s Office sponsored cadets Matthew Wooten and Tyler Massey; Pelahatchie Police Department sponsored cadets Garrett Irwin and David Soto; Mendenhall Police Department sponsored cadet Michael Jones; Columbia Police Department sponsored cadet Chris Rogers; Pearl Police Department sponsored cadet Pryce Hunter; Walnut Grove Police Department sponsored cadet Don Ahshapanek. Additionally, Walter Burkett of Mendenhall and Chris Jones of Brandon completed the 200-hour refresher course. A reception for cadets and their families was held following the ceremony.
Enrollment for the 2022 Class XIV training session is now open. Individuals must be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, hold a current driver’s license, pass a criminal background check, and possess a clean arrest record. Participants are required to pass a physical fitness test, a medical examination, and be mentally stable. Additionally, future officers must have a strong desire to serve the public. The training session starts in July 2022 and will last approximately 18 weeks. Applications may be picked up at the Simpson County Sheriff Department. Additional information regarding student cost and the possibility of funding assistance will be available closer to the start of the session. For more information contact Clay McPherson at (601) 847-2155.