Southern Maryland Academy Graduates 17, Including Four Calvert Deputies
MORGANZA, MD – In a heartwarming ceremony on December 20, 2024, the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy (SMCJA) celebrated the graduation of 17 candidates, including four newly minted deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office.
Graduation Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony, held at Chopticon High School for Session 54, kicked off with Class Coordinator Cpl. Matthew Nauman proudly introducing the graduating class. Bobby Jones, the SMCJA Director, extended a warm welcome to graduates, families, and guests. The event was marked by a poignant presentation of colors by Honor Guard teams from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties, as well as a moving rendition of the National Anthem by Ms. Danielle Baker. Chaplain Gwendoline Bankins delivered a heartfelt invocation and benediction, setting the tone for the evening.
Recognizing Excellence
The instructors at SMCJA took the opportunity to honor outstanding achievers among the graduates with various awards. Officer Andrea Prichard from Charles County stood out, clinching both the Scholastic/Academic Award for her impressive 99.52% GPA and the Physical Training Award for scoring 1,311 out of 1,600 points. Deputy Thomas Dewey from St. Mary’s County received the EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operations Course) Award, while Officer Jeremy Steeber from Charles County excelled in the Firearms category with 99.25% accuracy and a perfect score on the written test. Deputy Nicholas Morgal from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office was also recognized with the prestigious Steve Allen Award for his exceptional performance.
Welcoming Calvert County Deputies
Sheriff Ricky Cox expressed his pride in welcoming the four new deputies from Calvert County, namely Jake Angell, Christopher Blackistone, Nicholas Morgal, and Nathan Robey. These dedicated individuals join a cohort of 17 graduates from Session 54, with six hailing from Charles County and seven from St. Mary’s County.
A Commitment to Serve
Sheriff Cox commended the graduates for their unwavering dedication and stressed the vital role they play in upholding safety and justice in their communities. The rigorous training program at SMCJA equips law enforcement professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to serve effectively, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
As a journalist, I have covered numerous graduation ceremonies, but there is always something special about witnessing the culmination of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. The pride and joy radiating from the graduates and their families are truly palpable, underscoring the profound impact of their commitment to public service. It is moments like these that remind us of the selfless individuals who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and secure, embodying the values of integrity, courage, and compassion. Let us celebrate these new deputies and honor their achievements as they embark on this noble journey of serving and protecting.
