Fifty-one cadets graduated from the Walters State Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy on Aug. 15. These cadets mark the 125th class at the academy.

Based at the college’s Niswonger Campus in Greeneville, the academy is an intensive nine-week, 480-hour program. Upon completion, students are awarded the technical certificate in Basic Law Enforcement Officer Education and are eligible to apply for certification by the Police Officers Standards and Training Commission as a certified peace officer in the state of Tennessee after being employed by a law enforcement agency.

The program is part of the East Tennessee Regional Law Enforcement Academy established at Walters State by the POST Commission and is part of the college’s Public Safety Center of Emphasis, a designation recognizing its outstanding record in career preparation.

Jake Merriman, Smithville, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office was among the class.