Two Copperhill Police Department officers have graduated from the Cleveland State Law Enforcement Training Academy. The graduation ceremony was April 11 for approximately 30 students who received technical certificates in Law Enforcement Training. Among the graduates were Warren Heminger and Tyler E. Gentry.

Heminger, one of the leaders of the class and also the class speaker, was not the typical Law Enforcement Academy graduate. Not only was he graduating from the CSCC program, but he is also expected to graduate with his Bachelor of Science degree from the American Military University with a degree in Criminal Justice and a concentration in Forensics in the fall. He is also a 2007 graduate of the Army National Guard. At the age of 42, Heminger became the oldest private ever to graduate from the Army National Guard and has received several awards including Soldier of the Year of the 117th Battalion.

At the graduation ceremony, Heminger spoke on behalf of his class. He quoted a famous 19th century columnist, George Mathew Adams, saying. “There is no such thing as a self-made man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and our thoughts, as well as our success.

Heminger thanked the college officials, educational staff and associates of the Police Academy #43, by presenting a class plaque and stating “It is with heartfelt respect and gratitude that I now present this plaque to the Directors of the Law Enforcement Academy.” He added, It’s important we recognize the dozens of specialized instructors who gave their time and on behalf of the class, our sincere appreciation, gratitude, and acknowledgement for a job well done.”

The Cleveland State Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy was certified to conduct Basic Law Enforcement by the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission on July 30, 1990. Primarily serving law enforcement agencies in southeastern Tennessee, the Law Enforcement Training Academy began operations in the fall of 1990. Highly qualified instructors, both in basic and specialized courses of instruction, are drawn from agencies throughout the region. The Basic Law Enforcement course consists of more than 400 hours of instruction, training, and practicum activities. Graduates are awarded credit toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Public and Government Service. The Academy is open to full time law enforcement officers and qualified students on a space available basis.

For more information on the Law Enforcement Academy, please call (423) 472-7141, ext. 402.