
South Piedmont Community College celebrated the most recent graduates of its Law Enforcement Management Development Program during a ceremony on Nov. 17.
South Piedmont Community College celebrated the most recent graduates of its Management Development Program during a ceremony on Nov. 17 at the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Samarcand Training Academy in Jackson.
The graduates represent law enforcement agencies from across the state.
“Congratulations to all the graduates of this outstanding program,” said South Piedmont President Dr. Maria Pharr.
“The Management Development Program equips participants with the skills and knowledge they need to take the next steps in their careers, effectively manage their teams, and provide deeper levels of service to our communities. We are immensely proud to have played a role in the professional development of this group of Management Development Program participants.”
Graduates included:
Ryan Caldwell, Monroe Police Department
Wes Gardin, Hickory Police Department
Drew Gerringer, Burlington Police Department
Mark Ketchum, Jacksonville Police Department
Dylan Kettell, Fayetteville Police Department
William Laton, North Carolina Wildlife Commission
Zachary Leach, Morehead City Police Department
Brian Leadem, Matthews Police Department
Mark Odom, Emerald Isle Police Department
Tammy Pavey, Western Carolina University Police Department
Franklin Rice, Morehead City Police Department
Bobby Wilder, Garner Police Department
Chris Wingler, Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office
The 11-month Management Development Program is designed for lieutenants, majors, captains, and those wanting to occupy those ranks at small- and mid-sized agencies.
During the program, participants are exposed to topics and issues critical to operating a modern, professional law enforcement organization. Topics include leadership vs. management, incident command, and budgeting. Participants are also required to complete a physical training component and community service.
Participants complete part of the program online. In-person sessions alternate between the North Carolina Forestry Service Mountain Training Facility in Newland and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Samarcand Training Academy in Jackson Springs.
In addition to their studies and physical training, this year’s participants took a tour of Hendrick Motor Sports, where they had their class photo taken.
“This year’s group was nothing short of outstanding. They developed both as individuals and as a team. I look forward to seeing the great things they go on to do in their careers, and how they continue to learn from one another even after the conclusion of the program. Congratulations to all,” said Mike Smith, a Management Development Program alumnus and director of law enforcement training at South Piedmont.
Learn more about South Piedmont’s law enforcement training programs at https://spcc.edu/areas-of-study/public-safety/law-enforcement-training/law-enforcement/.