WELCOME, Md. – Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans is proud to announce four new deputies will join the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office after their graduation from the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy (SMCJA) Police Entrance Level Training Program Session 50.
The deputies were among a total of 21 candidates – ten with Charles County and seven with St. Mary’s County – who graduated on September 2.
Director of the SMCJA, Captain Bobby Jones welcomed graduates and their families and spoke about the training program that started on January 21, 2021 which included over 1,000 hours of instruction.
The Academy’s Board of Directors — Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans, Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry and St. Mary’s County Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron, spoke about the graduates’ new careers and the difficulties and rewards each of them will encounter.
Charles County graduate Officer Alana Snyder performed the national anthem, and members of all three counties’ Honor Guard teams presented the colors. Charles County graduate Officer Nathaniel Hopp was the class speaker. Mr. Wayne Silver, Executive Director of the Maryland Police Training & Standards Commission enlightened guests about MPCTC trainings and certifications. Ms. Pam Burkett-Jones of the College of Southern Maryland and Ms. Kathleen Hebbel of University of Maryland Global Campus spoke about an articulation agreement between the Academy and both colleges. Chaplain Dave Mohler of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office delivered the invocation and benediction.
Congratulations to the following officers:
Calvert County
Tyrell S. Claggett
Michelle A. Dawson
Olivia R. Sylver
Tanner J. Zinn
Charles County
Jonah J. Gordon
Hayden K. Gould
Kaitlyn M. Guntow
Nathaniel P. Hopp
Sally U. Knutsen
Jonathan M. Logan
Alana X. Snyder
Zachary R. Snyder
Andrew M. Torreyson
Jordan S. Wheeler
St. Mary’s County
Devin M. Absher
Ryan A. Campbell
Myles R. Chase-Johnson
Paul L. Rodriguez
Joseph J. Senatore
Darrell J. Stewart
Christopher M. Truss
During the ceremony, SMCJA instructors presented awards to graduates who excelled in the following categories:
· Kaitlyn Guntow (Charles ) won the Scholastic Award
· Hayden Gould (Charles) won the Physical Fitness Award
· Devin Absher. (St. Mary’s) won the Firearms Award
· Jonah Gordon (Charles) won the Emergency Vehicle Operations Award; and also received the Steve E. Allen Award, named after one of the original founders of the SMCJA who died of cancer several years ago. The Steve Allen Award recipient demonstrates attributes of leadership, initiative, motivation, and compassion throughout their attendance at the academy.
Congratulations to all the graduates and thank you for choosing to serve your community!
“Live with Pride, Protect with Strength, Serve with Heart.”
