| BCSO graduates 15 from basic academy By Iva Butler of The Daily Times Staff Fifteen police recruits from six different agencies graduated Friday from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office Training Academy, the second class to graduate from the academy. James Berrong, who has been Blount County sheriff for 18 years, said of the recruits: “They chose a profession that is no more rewarding or demanding.” He asked that their families to “be patient with them. Think what they have dealt with (at the end of the day).” Don Benson, assistant chief and training director, talked of the five traits important in an officer: professionalism, respect, integrity, discipline and the elite position they now hold. The class included: John Ailor of BCSO, Brent Barger of Kingston Police Department, Barry Bunch of BCSO, Norman Carmack of BCSO, Dennis Carter of BCSO, Brian Cusack of BCSO, Shane Ezell of Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, Alex French of Roane County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon Gentry of Lenoir City Police Department, Brian Gross of BCSO, Anderson Hatfield of BCSO, Ross Jamerson of BCSO, Autumn Little of BCSO, Kevin Parks of Loudon County Sheriff’s Office and Mike Townsend of Carter County Sheriff’s Office. |
4/9/08