Hamilton County, TN – The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the newest graduates of the prestigious Southeastern Leadership Academy (S.E.L.A.) in coordination with the UT Law Enforcement Innovation Center Institute for Public Service which graduated last Friday, November 10th at the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga Tennessee Room.

The Southeastern Command and Leadership Academy is a dynamic five-week law enforcement leadership and management program designed for progressive and innovative police managers. The intense five-week course is spread out over a five-month period so that agencies can better manage the time off for their officers and to assist the S.E.L.A. instructors. Sheriff Hammond applauds his officers who have completed this training stating they have done so while continuing to manage their daily work-related responsibilities.

The S.E.L.A. curriculum was developed by a team of national experts in the field of policing and is delivered by these same experts to ensure integrity of delivery. All instructors are seasoned law enforcement professionals; have earned a Ph. D in Criminal Justice or a related field; teach at a major university; and have published related books or articles in peer-reviewed journals. The curriculum covers current issues and information police administrators rely upon to adequately respond to the diverse demands of an executive position.

Graduates and their family were honored with a breakfast and later received their diplomas after hearing a moving speech by this year’s keynote speaker, retired Sheriff and Executive Director of the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association, Terry Ashe.

On hand for the celebration were members of law enforcement from all over Tennessee, including several Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs.

This year’s graduates were Lieutenants’ Brian McDowell, Carla Knight, and David Sowder and Sergeants’ Robert Harvey, Robert Lackey, and Michael Hughes.

Please offer your congratulations to these individuals for their commitment to excellence and for completing this noteworthy program.