WELCOME, Md. – On October 20, 2023, a group of new officers was welcomed following the final inspection and graduation exercises from the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy (SMCJA) Police Entrance Level Training Program Session 52.
The ceremony, led by Class Coordinator Sgt. Clay Collins from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, commenced with the announcement of the graduating class. SMJCA Director Bobby Jones, representing Calvert County, warmly welcomed the graduates, their families, and respective guests.
As the colors were presented by members from all three counties’ Honor Guard teams, Ms. Danielle Baker of Chopticon HS delivered a captivating rendition of the National Anthem. The ceremony proceeded with an invocation and benediction offered by Chaplain Steve Davis from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.
During the ceremony, SMCJA instructors recognized graduates who excelled in several categories. The awards were presented as follows:
- Scholastic/Academic Award: Charles County, Officer Michael McCloskey
- Physical Training Award: Charles County, Officer Anna Klotz
- EVOC Award: Charles County, Officer George Leonard IV
- Steve Allen Award: Charles County, Officer Zachariah Barnhart
- Firearms Award: Charles County, Officer Zachariah Barnhart
Congratulations to all the graduates of the SMCJA:
Calvert County:
- Dara Baxter
- Charles Brown
- Justin MacWilliams
Charles County:
- Zachariah Barnhart
- Justin Crain
- Anna Klotz
- George Leonard IV
- Michael McCloskey
- Lilibeth Rios
- Brock Ruble
- Charles Watley
St. Mary’s County:
- Cody Donaldson
- Bianca Melton
- Shanna Peters
- Zachary Wolfe
We wish all the graduates a safe and successful career.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
Congratulations to all. Be safe.
please keep in mind the non- emergency # for the police and if its not an emergency, use it.