PRESS RELEASE
APRIL 2022
SJR State law enforcement cadets recognized
Cadets from St. Johns River State College (SJR State) Criminal Justice Academy were recently recognized during a graduation ceremony at the Thrasher-Horne Center located on the College’s Orange Park campus. Graduates representing Clay, Putnam, St. Johns and Flagler counties received certificates for completing Florida Law Enforcement Academy programs. The guest speaker was Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook.
During the ceremony, five law enforcement cadets were recognized for special achievement.
- Amber Bordinger was awarded the Academic Achiever Award for obtaining the highest GPA.
- Hank Epperson received the Medallion Award for the highest overall achievement and class leadership.
- Chase Terry received the Most Proficient in Firearms Award.
- Justin Destefano was presented with the Physical Fitness Award for showing the most improvement in physical training in strength and endurance.
- Andrew Yarbrough was awarded the Top Physical Fitness Award.
The March graduates included Law Enforcement Basic Recruit cadets from Clay County: Jacob Johannes, Gavin Ronquille and Andrew Yarbrough.
Law Enforcement Basic Recruit cadet from Putnam County: Kendaleigh Selby-Niemiec.
Law Enforcement Basic Recruit cadets from St. Johns County: Matheus Alves, Amber Bordinger, Justin Destefano, Hank Epperson, Christopher Saunders and Chase Terry.
Law Enforcement Basic Recruit cadet from Flagler County: Anthony Lafleur.
Crossover from Corrections Officer to Law Enforcement cadet: Helen Brady (Putnam County) and Willie Carson (Clay County).
Crossover from Correctional Probation Officer to Law Enforcement cadet: Michael Seilhymer (St. Johns County).
Located at the St. Augustine campus, SJR State’s Criminal Justice Academy offers certificate programs and provides job-related training to prepare cadets for entry-level employment in the field. Upon completion of the certificate programs, cadets will be eligible to take the state certification exam. The certificates also provide credit hours that can be transferred to SJR State’s associate in science degree in criminal justice technology.
For additional information about SJR State’s Florida Law Enforcement Academy, call (904) 808-7490 or visit SJRstate.edu. Until June 6, applications are being accepted for the day and night classes beginning on July 5.
During SJR State’s Criminal Justice Academy graduation ceremony, five law enforcement cadets were recognized for special achievement. Clay County resident Andrew Yarbrough was awarded the Top Physical Fitness Award. The additional award winners were from St. Johns County: Justin Destefano received the Physical Fitness Award. Chase Terry received The Most Proficient in Firearms Award. Amber Bordinger received the Academic Achiever Award; and Hank Epperson received the Medallion Award.
The graduates are pictured with Law Enforcement instructor/coordinator Angie Sockwell.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Kessler
Director of Public Relations and Publications
(386) 312-4021