The Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) has something to celebrate, as three of its own have stepped up, graduating from the Southeastern Leadership Academy (SELA), a program synonymous with grooming the next wave of leadership in law enforcement. The ceremony occurred last Friday, but the news was shared recently. The trio of graduates includes Lt. Nate Carman, Lt. Matt Gryder, and Lt. Corey Shoun, according to the Johnson City website.
Held at the forward-thinking University of Tennessee Chattanooga, the five-week SELA academy puts officers through the wringer. It aims not only to root out the potential in these individuals but to plant it firmly within the soil of their respective communities. The academy is no small feat; it requires commitment and a willingness to lean into the challenges of progressive leadership. In a statement, per the Johnson City website, the department highlighted, "Their participation reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to professional development and excellence in service."
SELA, hosted by the University of Tennessee's Law Enforcement Innovation Center, isn't just a training ground for officers with a vision for their community—it's also a nexus for different law enforcement agencies to trade wisdom and learn about and from one another. This cross-pollination of ideas is thought to be a key ingredient in ensuring cops can cope with the ever-evolving landscape they patrol and protect.
