Angelina College Recognizes Tenacity of Police Academy Graduates
In order to graduate from the Angelina College Law Enforcement Academy, a candidate must complete 750 hours of classwork and training. Completing that requirement through night classes at AC is a tough haul, especially for this last class when you factor in starts and stops necessary due to COVID regulations.
The most recent law enforcement night class at Angelina College started with 13 cadets, however, when all was said and done, Class 109 finished the certification program with three graduates. Those men – Cedric E. Knighton, Chad A. Murray and Bailey S. Muschweck – received their well-earned recognition in a ceremony held on the Angelina College campus last week.
AC Police Chief Doug Conn commented on the fortitude of this most recent graduating class. “We started this class back in May, and we dealt with COVID-related interruptions along the way,” Conn said. “These men were in class or training nearly every night of the week and pretty much every weekend.
“We have tested them physically and psychologically, and they’ve shown real tenacity in completing the 750 required hours. They’re the cream of the crop.”
Training manager Lt. Jack Stephenson noted how a night academy presents its own challenges considering the other responsibilities cadets have during the day.
“These men proved their dedication to this profession just in how determined they were to complete their training schedule,” Stephenson said. “Yet they endured, so this is their night, and this is their accomplishment.”
Murray, a Lufkin native, also earned the Top Gun Award. Muschweck, from LaPorte, was named Best Driver; and Knighton, from Livingston, was the class valedictorian.
Academy staff members include Doug Conn, Chief of Police; Lt. Randy Holland, Training Manager; Officer Jack Stephenson, Training Manager; and Kim Capps, Administrative Assistant.
Cadets of Class 109 of the Angelina College Regional Law Enforcement Academy pose following their recent graduation ceremony held on the Angelina College campus. Pictured are (L-R) AC Police Chief Doug Conn, Bailey Muschweck, Chad Murray, Cedric Knighton and Academy Training Manager Lt. Jack Stephenson.
For information on the AC Police Academy, email policeacademy@angelina.edu.