Forty-seven cadets from two states and 24 counties graduated earlier this month from the Walters State Basic Law Enforcement Academy. This marks the 106th graduating class.

Based at the college’s Greeneville/Greene County Campus, the academy is an intensive nine-week, 480-hour program. Upon completion, students are awarded the technical certificate in Basic Law Enforcement Officer Education. Most are employed by a law enforcement agency and are eligible to apply for certification by the Police Officers Standards and Training Commission as a certified peace officer in the state of Tennessee.

The program is part of the college’s Public Safety Center of Emphasis, a designation recognizing its outstanding record in career preparation.

Speaker Don Myers, Sevierville chief of police, told graduates that they now stand in the gap between order and chaos. He encouraged cadets to continue learning and remain at the top of their game.

“Get up everyday with a commitment to make a difference,” Myers said.

Area members of the class are:

From Campbell County: Aubrey Chapman of Lafollette and Aaron Johnson of Pioneer;

From Claiborne County: Larry Gibson of New Tazewell; and

From Union County: Zachary Wright of Maynardville.

Over 6,200 credit and 4,000 non-credit students attend Walters State. The college has campuses in Morristown, Greeneville, Sevierville and Tazewell. It offers over 100 associate degrees and technical certificates. Visit Walters State’s website at ws.edu.