T&D Staff Report
Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams warned graduates of the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy last week that they'll be facing a new type of policing.
"In law enforcement, the day of the billy club and flashlight are long gone," Williams said. "That's why the training at the academy has been so good for you. You must have it within to be a law enforcement officer."
As keynote speaker of the 509th SCCJA graduation, Williams told the graduates that becoming a law enforcement officer requires a commitment and desire to serve the local community, the state and the graduate's respective agency.
"Some of you will want to be chief in a month," the sheriff said. "It takes time and preparation. What you've gotten here has been conditioning for your mind and spirit. The ce.jpgicates you receive today is only the beginning of the preparation for your career."
Of the 31 graduates representing such state entities as the S.C. Department of Probation, Pardon and Parole; the S.C. Forestry Commission and the S.C. Department of Mental Health, six are destined for the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office. It's the largest number the Sheriff's Office has had in class at one time.
"It's a great day at the Criminal Justice Academy," Williams said. "In Orangeburg County, we echo the sentiments of a great day. We do that because we're selling a product of service. We as public servants strive daily to make our government as effective as it can be."