Northeast Mississippi Community College

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NEMCC celebrates 21st graduating class of its Reserve Officer Law Enforcement Training Academy

by Michael H. Miller

BOONEVILLE, Miss. -- (08/20/2025) — Northeast Mississippi Community College celebrated the twenty-first (21st) graduating class of the college's Reserve Officer Law Enforcement Training Academy on Sunday, July 27 in Holliday Hall on the college's Booneville campus.

Northeast's Reserve Officer Law Enforcement Training Academy is known for its demanding and progressive curriculum. It offers aspiring law enforcement officers a comprehensive, community-based education designed to equip them with the skills necessary for modern policing.

During their graduation ceremony, members of the class were recognized for various special awards such as physical fitness, defensive driving, academics and firearms.

Chancery Court Judge Brad Tennison administered the oath to the cadets.

Graduates of the twenty-first class have to be sponsored by various local law enforcement agencies, underscoring the academy's integral role in preparing officers for diverse roles within the community.

Graduates included:

  • Charles D. Archie, sponsored by the Itawamba County Sheriff's Department
  • Rickey Barber, sponsored by the Booneville Police Department
  • Darrell B. Duncan, sponsored by the Alcorn County Sheriff's Department
  • Devin Harnage, sponsored by the Itawamba County Sheriff's Department
  • Caleb Waddle, sponsored by the Itawamba County Sheriff's Department
  • Ronny Walker, sponsored by the Farmington Police Department

Duncan also served as the Platoon Leader for the class, demonstrating leadership and commitment.

Throughout the course, participants had the opportunity to enhance their physical fitness, renew their weapons safety knowledge, and develop driving skills.

Applicants to the academy are required to submit an application and a doctor's physical exam statement before the first day of class and must score at least 50 percent on all areas of the entrance physical fitness test.

To qualify for the academy, applicants must be 21 years old by the end of the program, have a high school diploma or GED, and a clean National Crime Information Center (NCIC) report.

Northeast's Reserve Officer Law Enforcement Training Academy is the only part-time law enforcement training academy in the northeast corner of Mississippi. The nearest similar academy is at the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and is only one of seven in the northern district of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Applications are now being accepted for the twenty-second (22nd) Reserve Officer Law Enforcement Training Academy at the college.

Those interested in applying or seeking more information about the programs offered by the Northeast Mississippi Community College Office of Continuing Education can contact continuinged@nemcc.edu.

--NEMCC--

Information about Northeast Mississippi Community College

Northeast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.

For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

Media Attachments

Northeast Mississippi Community College celebrated the twenty-first (21st) graduating class of the college's Reserve Officer Law Enforcement Training Academy on Sunday, July 27 in Holliday Hall on the college's Booneville campus. Graduates of the twenty-first class have to be sponsored by various local law enforcement agencies, underscoring the academy's integral role in preparing officers for diverse roles within the community. Graduates included Charles D. Archie, sponsored by the Itawamba County Sheriff’s Department; Rickey Barber, sponsored by the Booneville Police Department; Darrell B. Duncan, sponsored by the Alcorn County Sheriff's Department; Devin Harnage, sponsored by the Itawamba County Sheriff’s Department; Caleb Waddle, sponsored by the Itawamba County Sheriff’s Department and Ronny Walker, sponsored by the Farmington Police Department. Duncan also served as the Platoon Leader for the class, demonstrating leadership and commitment.

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