12 Graduate From Reinhardt Police Academy

WALESKA, GA — Cherokee Sheriff’s Office deputy James Gentry and 11 others graduated Wednesday from the Reinhardt University Public Safety Institute Police Academy. The Reinhardt University Public Safety Institute began its police academy program in 2009, and several Cherokee sheriff’s deputies have earned their POST Certification through the program.

However, Gentry is the first Cherokee sheriff's deputy to attend since CSO and Reinhardt University formed a partnership and began holding classes at the CSO Training Facility. Gentry was sworn in as a deputy by Sheriff Rank Reynolds immediately following the Dec. 19 ceremony.

Nearly half of the graduates have jobs secured at agencies throughout Georgia, Reinhardt University said. Public Safety Institute Director Trey Drawdy honored four students during the ceremony, including one participant who earned the very first award of its kind for her community service efforts.

“Stella Vasquez went above and beyond for community service outreach,” Drawdy said. “She collected donations for Convoy of Care during relief efforts for Hurricane Michael. She volunteered her time in assisting with packing and delivery.”

Vasquez, a Canton resident, also led the way to make Christmas better for a family in need. She identified a local family in need and collected donations to shop for and wraps presents for the family, Drawdy said. She presented the gifts on behalf of her class and the Public Safety Institute. Drawdy notes the award bestowed upon Vasquez came with a $1,000 scholarship toward an associate's degree in criminal justice.

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While the community service award was new to the Public Safety Institute, three graduates were presented with longstanding awards given to members of each class. Kennesaw resident John Souders Jr. earned the Academic Award for having the highest academic average for all exams and assignments administered over the 20-week academy. Greg Verlander of Gainesville received the Top Gun Award for having the highest shooting average in firearms qualification attempts. And, the prestigious Director’s Award was given to class leader Christopher McHugh of Alpharetta.

The full list of graduates include:

• Ryan J. Berkley (College Park Police Department) of Roswell
• Shane A. Browder (College Park Police Department) of Lawrenceville
• Christopher D. Burley of Lithonia
• Jonathan A. Flores (Reinhardt University Department of Public Safety) of Canton
• Lina Garcia-Corrales of Flowery Branch
• James K. Gentry (Cherokee Sheriff’s Office) of Acworth
• Katherine M. Kuhn of Ball Ground
• Christopher D. McHugh of Alpharetta
• John E. Souders, Jr. of Kennesaw
• Danny J. Turley of McDonough
• Stella D. Vasquez of Canton
• Gregory C. Verlander (College Park Police Department) of Gainesville

Reinhardt’s Police Academy is a non-traditional academy that spans 20 weeks. Classes are held at night and on weekends, which allow candidates for peace officer to work and attend classes. It is also an academic academy which allows participants to earn 15 college credits toward an associate degree while they attend the academy.

Images via Cherokee Sheriff's Office