Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Holds Graduation Ceremony for Seventh “Citizens Police Academy”

A graduation ceremony was held last Tuesday night at the new Hamilton Career and Technology Center, which is located at the Oconee Industry and Technology Park on Highway 11, for the seventh graduating class of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office “Citizens Police Academy.”

The 19 graduates along with deputies and employees from the Sheriff’s Office attended the ceremony which was held in the first floor dining room area. The meal that was provided to those in attendance was prepared by students from the Culinary Arts program under the direction of their teacher, Rodney Quick.

Among the speakers last Tuesday night’s graduation ceremony was the Chief Deputy from the Sheriff’s Office, Kevin Davis, Oconee County State Senator Thomas Alexander and Superintendent of Education for the School District of Oconee County, Dr. Michael Thorsland.

Each graduate received a certificate of graduation, a certificate from the South Carolina State Senate and a Sheriff’s Office Challenge Coin.

“I learned that each officer is totally dedicated and committed to the citizens of Oconee County,” says recent graduate Larry Sloan. “I have never witnessed a closer and united force that respects everyone they encounter, whether victim or suspect.”

“Being fairly new to the area, my husband and I took the class to get to know our community and the workings of local law enforcement,” according to graduate Di Ucci. “We came away with tremendous respect and confidence in the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. They are so dedicated and invested in our community. We deeply appreciate them and all they do.”

The Sheriff’s Office is making plans for the 2021 edition of the “Citizens Police Academy” and will be announcing those dates once they are confirmed. Citizens can now start applying for the eighth “Citizens Police Academy” class by clicking on the Citizens Police Academy link at the website of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office at www.oconeelaw.com.

The organizers of the seventh “Citizens Police Academy” would like to thank the following sponsors for their support this year:

• 10th Circuit Solicitors Office
• Schneider Electric
• Deep South Defense
• Diamond T Promotional Gear
• DCT Detection
• Hamilton Career and Technology Center
• Oconee County Emergency Services
• Crimestoppers of Oconee County
• Loco Mart
• Oconee Sheriff’s Foundation
• Oconee Humane Society
• 94.1-FM The Lake, WSNW