Class 109 Endured Numerous Challenges in Earning Certifications
As if the rigors of the Angelina College Law Enforcement Academy alone weren’t enough, the recent group of cadets endured several starts and stops along their journey.
In a night class that started with 13 cadets, 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, “We started this class back in May, and we dealt with COVID-related interruptions along the way. 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 natives, also earned the Top Gun Award. Muschweck, from LaPorte, was named Best Driver; and Knighton, from Livingston, was the class valedictorian.
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 Doug Conn, Chief of Police; Lt. Randy Holland, Training Manager; Officer Jack Stephenson, Training Manager; and Kim Capps, Administrative Assistant. For information on the AC Police Academy, email policeacademy@angelina.edu.
For other inquiries regarding Angelina College, contact Krista Brown at kbrown@angelina.edu.
Pictured: (L-R) AC Police Chief Doug Conn, Bailey Muschweck, Chad Murray, Cedric Knighton and Academy Training Manager Lt. Jack Stephenson. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service photo)