SCLEOTA Graduates Class XIV

Pictured (front row left to right) Jeff Mann, Simpson Sheriff’s Office; Kory White and Jason Wells, Mendenhall Police Department; Blake Barnette, Reservoir PD; Jeremy Ryan Benson, UMMC PD; Patrick James Wiesenberger, Self-Sponsored (skills only). (back row left to right) Blake William Wallace, Wesson PD (skills only); Willie Barber, Mendenhall PD; Clay McPherson Academy Administrator; Max  Pereda, Self-Sponsor; Robin Mitchell, Co-Lin Workforce Coordinator.

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 for seventeen weeks 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 XIV cadets was held and included a host of speakers and well-wishers. Capt. Paul Holly, Rankin Sheriff’s Office Legal Counsel, served as the keynote speaker. SCLEOTA Lead Instructor and Simpson County Sheriff’s Deputy Clay McPherson presented graduate recognitions including the Most Outstanding Academic Graduate  and the Most Outstanding Overall Graduate (Top Cop) Kory White; Most Outstanding Firearms Graduate Jeremy Benson; Most Outstanding Physical Fitness Award Willie Barbe.

Class XIV graduating cadets included Mendenhall Police Department sponsored cadets Willie Frank Barber and John Kory White; Reservoir Police Department sponsored cadet Daniel Blake Barnette; UMMC Police Department sponsored cadet Jeremy Ryan Benson; Simpson County Sheriff’s Office sponsored cadet Jeffery William Mann. Self-sponsored cadets were Max Isaac Pereda, Corey Howard Powell, and Jason Demione Wells.  Additionally, Blake William Wallace from the Wesson Police Department and self-sponsored student Patrick James Wiesenberger completed refresher hours in skills and law. A reception for cadets and their families was held following the ceremony.