The Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy celebrated the graduation of 23 police recruits at a ceremony held Oct. 13.

Twenty-three students completed the six-month training program, which began April 17, 2006. Thirteen of the graduating officers joined the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, two joined the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, six joined the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, one joined the La Plata Police Department and one joined the St. Mary’s College of Maryland police.

At the ceremony, Academy instructors presented awards to students who excelled in four categories. Clay Collins of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office earned the physical training award, Mark Fitzgerald of St. Mary’s College earned the firearms award, Brianne Gray of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office earned the vehicle operations award and William Watters of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office earned the academic award. The class boasted a 94.07 final class academic average. Their class motto, chosen by the students at the beginning of the training program, was “True to the Blue.”

Doug Hill, chief meteorologist for ABC 7 News and a former Prince George’s County police officer, served as keynote speaker for the ceremony. Ed Schauf of the College of Southern Maryland’s legal studies department spoke about the articulation agreement between the Academy and the College, which provides each graduate with 15 college credits toward a criminal justice degree. Al Liebno, administrator of driver training for the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC), spoke about the requirements police officers must meet to be certified by the MPCTC, which is required of all Maryland police officers. Additionally, the Academy’s board of directors – Charles County Sheriff Frederick E. Davis, who serves as the board’s chairman, St. Mary’s County Sheriff David D. Zylak and Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans –  and the class speaker, Student Officer Travis Yates, each shared remarks.

The Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy congratulates the following new law enforcement officers:

Charles County Sheriff’s Office:

Justin M. Alpert

Raymond D. Brooks

Steven V. Bryant

Stephen W. Cartwright

Clay C. Collins

Phillip W. DeBoe

Jesse A. Garner

Ja’Von O. Johnson

Kevin M. Lerch

Stephen C. Miller, Jr.

James T. Plunkett

Eric E. Weaver

Travis L. Yates

Calvert County Sheriff’s Office:

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