Gatlinburg's Police Department has just increased its force by two, following the recent graduation of Michael Glenn and Rickey Valdes from the Walters State Community College Regional Law Enforcement Academy. The ceremony, held on Thursday, June 12, marked their completion of an intensive nine-week training program that spanned 512 hours and covered the essentials of basic law enforcement.
Now POST certified, Glenn and Valdes have demonstrated commendable performance during their academy tenure. "The Police Department is very proud that Officers Glenn and Valdes were exemplary during their time at the Academy," Gatlinburg Police Chief Ronnie Barrett conveyed, through a statement. Still, there's a high degree of anticipation as these officers get ready to apply their skills on the streets of Gatlinburg, offering protection and service to both residents and visitors.
Their training at the Academy included a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare them for the varied and, at times, unpredictable nature of policing in a city that attracts tourists year-round. As the newest members of the Gatlinburg Police Department, Glenn and Valdes are expected to bring fresh perspectives and energy to the force.
Before they officially hit the beat solo, there's a phase yet to be completed; Glenn and Valdes will engage in field training alongside experienced officers from the Gatlinburg Police Department. This period serves as an indispensable bridge between academic theory and the real-world scenarios they will undoubtedly face. "Following their graduation, the officers will now complete field training with other officers of the Gatlinburg Police Department before joining the patrol on their own," stated the Gatlinburg Police Department about their post-academy training.
With policing often in the spotlight on a national scale, the addition of these two officers to the Gatlinburg Police Department is a testament to the ongoing dedication to community safety and professional development within local law enforcement.
