Meridian Public Safety Academy graduates are (back row, from left): Ronnie Robinson, Mark Gross, Hunter Morgan, and Jared Woodall. (Front row, from left): Roel Rosalez, Gwendolyn Page, David Irby, Patrick Kirby, Shannon Gandy, Demetrius Marshall, and Austin Cochran.

    While marching in military cadence style, the graduates of the Part-Time/Refresher Law Enforcement Officer Graduation from the Meridian Public Safety Academy at Meridian Community College Class of 1401 showed the audience in the MCC Workforce Development Center they were ready to meet any challenges.     The Meridian Public Safety Academy graduated eleven law officers.  

    “Some say this profession is chosen, others say it’s a calling. I think it’s a calling,” said Michael Street, Meridian Public Safety Academy Director, who oversaw the six-month training program and led the ceremonies.

    “There’s something special about a person who puts themselves in harm’s way … what kind of fortitude that takes,” said MCC President Dr. Scott Elliott as he addressed the 11 graduates, as well as friends and families who came to the graduation. “I’m so glad MCC can be one of the sponsors of this program.”

    Guest speaker Billy Sollie, Lauderdale County sheriff who has logged in more than 40 years in law enforcement, told the graduates to use the knowledge and experience they gained in their studies at the academy.

    “Last year, Mississippi ranked fifth in the nation in law enforcement officers being killed in the line of duty,” Sollie said. “Take the knowledge that is given and use that to go with you at the end of your shift.”

    Graduates of the Class of 1401 include Austin Cochran, Clarke County Sheriff’s Department; Shannon Gandy, Stonewall Police Department; Mark Gross, self-sponsored; David Irby, Hickory Police Department; Patrick Kirby, Meridian Police Department; Demetrius Marshall, Meridian Police Department and Meridian Public School District; Hunter Morgan, self-sponsored; Gwendolyn Page, self-sponsored; Ronnie Robinson, Newton County School District; Roel Rosalez, Marion Police Department; and Jared Woodall, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department.

    Three awards, Fire Arms, Physical Fitness and Academic, were given to Robinson, Gandy and Morgan, respectively, for their outstanding marks. Street noted all three tests were very competitive and very close in scores.

    Meridian Public Safety Academy is recognized by The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Board on Standards and Training as a Level 2 Academy. In addition to certification by the State of Mississippi, officers also receive Continuing Education hours from Meridian Community College.

    For more information visit www.meridiancc.edu/workforce-education/community-and-business-development/workforce-development/law-enforcement or call Lynne Thrailkill at 601-481-1300 to learn more.