Fifteen new law enforcement officers graduate

Angelina College’s Law Enforcement Academy Class 113 recently held its graduation ceremony inside Temple Theater on the AC campus. A total of 15 cadets earned their certifications as new law enforcement officers in various capacities. Courtesy photo

From Enterprise Staff

A total of 15 new law enforcement candidates received their certificates and other recognition during the Angelina College Law Enforcement Academy graduation ceremony held recently at Temple Theater on the AC campus.

Class 113, helping to celebrate the academy’s 30th year in existence, heard advice and words of encouragement from Angelina County Sheriff Tom Selman, an Angelina College alumnus.

“I remember 45 years ago sitting where you are, and that was an exciting day for me,” Selman said. “I promise you, you’re entering a field that will provide you a rewarding career. There’s nothing like being able to help people and make a difference in your community.

“It’s very important that we have people who are willing to step forward to take leadership roles in our communities, and I consider every officer, every person behind the thin blue line as a leader in the community. You are sacrificing yourself for others, and there’s no higher calling.”

Class valedictorian Jonathan Tiner reminded his classmates that the strides made in learning should continue long after the end of the ceremony.

“While it’s a feat for us to make it to graduation and pass the (state) exam, our training should never cease,” Tiner said. “Our goal every day should be to improve ourselves. If we’re not getting better, we’re just getting worse.”

AC Police Chief Doug Conn reminded the new officers of what they’d learned in all their coursework, especially the professionalism and ethics portion.

“There were a lot of discussions in that part of the course regarding doing the right thing, even when no one’s looking,” Conn said. “That’s what we’re going to expect of you.”

Along with valedictorian Tiner, Mason Snelson earned the Top Gun Award, while Kyle Michels received the academy’s Driving Award.

Following is the list of graduating cadets: Jesse Adams of Nacogdoches, Joseph Atwell of Crockett, Mykaela Daniels of Livingston, Jamee Davis of Chester, Andrew Mitchell of Palestine, Kyle Michels of Oshkosh, Wis., Michael Molnes of Crockett, Caleb Newsome of Lufkin, Mason Snelson of Lufkin, Dylan Henson of Chireno, Krista Hollingshead of Shepherd, Trent Jones of Livingston, Daniel Coons of Jasper, Hayden Duren of Crockett and Jonathan Tiner of Silsbee.

Angelina College was issued a license to operate a police academy in 12 East Texas counties in September of 1993 by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). The academy offers basic and in-service training courses at sites throughout Deep East Texas with the assistance of an advisory board, which assists in directing the academy.

Academy staff members include Chief of Police Doug Conn, Training Manager Lt. Jack Stephenson, Training Manager Officer Ashley Jowell and Administrative Assistant Kim Capps.

For information on the AC Police Academy, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..