By Andy Ann
The Colleton County Sherriff’s Office Public Safety Cadet banquet was on Monday, Nov. 14 for Cadet Post #843 promotions.
The CCSO law enforcement cadet advisors hosted the first annual pinning ceremony. The cadets were recognized and honored with new leadership roles within the program. In order to receive recognition, cadets must show determination and dedication while exhibiting growth in the areas of the virtue of honor, respect, and service.
The CCSO cadet program is an opportunity for youth between the ages of 14-21 who have an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement to receive practical training and hands-on experience. Upon completion of the program, cadets gain valuable knowledge and experience that can be applied to the new law enforcement career path they have selected.
Cadets are taught subjects that help prepare them for careers and leadership in the public safety profession. The program also fosters character building, good citizenship, physical fitness, and community outreach.
The goals of the program are to help the youth and young adults to choose a career path that could lead to law enforcement and to challenge them to become responsible citizens within the community and nation.
The current cadets are Emma Gladstone, Hunter Gooding, Ethan Lane, Levi Sightler, Jazmin Soto, Carlos Soto, Preston Mauro, and Caytlyn Burgoon.
Advisors for the program are Lt. Ricky Valentine, Sgt. Phillip Cole, James Brown, Cpl. Chad Cummings, Deputy Heidi Coleman, and Deputy Lindsey Cummings.
Cadets that were promoted and recognized to serve as youth leaders include Emma Gladstone, captain; Hunter Gooding. lieutenant; Ethan Lane, sergeant; and Levi Sightler , sergeant.
The 2022 Cadet of the Year was Emma Gladstone.
The keynote guest speaker was Captain Jason Chapman, who was a cadet prior to starting his career.
Any youth interested in becoming a cadet within the program can apply through the CCSO. Meetings are bi-weekly on Mondays from 6-8:30 p.m. All applicants (high school) are required to maintain a grade average of 70 or above in all classes. Report cards are submitted for review quarterly to verify grade requirements are maintained. CCSO cadets are an extension of the sheriff’s office and must show that they maintain high integrity at all times.
For more information call Lt. Valentine at 843-549-2211 or email rvalentine@colletoncounty.or;, email Cpl. Chad Cummings at jcummings@colletoncounty.org; email Sgt. Phillip Cole at pcole@colletoncounty.org; or email Dep. Heidi Coleman at hcoleman@colletoncounty.org.
