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Highlands Today

Law Enforcement Training Center Teaches Lifesaving Lessons

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

From left: Lead defense tactics instructor Fred Edgemon demonstrates on Gary Crofton the inside wrist take down technique during class Thursday evening at the SFCC Public Service Academy.

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By Joe  Seelig | Highlands Today

Published: January 27, 2008

SFCC Police Academy Photo Gallery

AVON PARK — There's a mock bomb somewhere in the lobby of the Public Service Academy headquarters, as teams of police cadets assigned to find it and document the search carefully carry out their duty.

To protect and serve is more than a motto on some wall. It is an oath that far too often puts law enforcement officers' lives on the line.

Yet, as law enforcement officers retire, are injured, quit or otherwise leave service, along come new recruits. South Florida Community College's Criminal Justice Academy, located at its Avon Park campus, prepares them for a career in law enforcement.

The academy's modern, yet sparsely adorned lobby with its vaulted ceilings doesn't have too many places a terrorist could plant a bomb. But some bombs have gotten smaller, more powerful and sophisticated.

Inside of a nook built to house the fire extinguisher the team discovered a device in a cell phone wedged against the extinguisher canister.

Class Leader

Senior cadet and class leader Tommy Haralson, 43, of Sebring, took his cues from explosives expert John Murray, an instructor with 31 years of experience in law enforcement and 23 years on the Miami-Dade sheriff's bomb squad.

"This is a career change for me," Haralson said, taking a short break from bomb detection. "I was a control specialist. I did computer graphics and programmable logic controllers (touch screen). I worked primarily in the citrus industry."

While helping supply Florida with juice, in reality he wanted a career in law enforcement.

"It's a life-long desire to be in law enforcement," he said. "I've just had an interest since high school and now I have the opportunity to pursue that desire."

Haralson wore a Sebring police uniform. He joined the department in February after learning there were openings. He signed up for the 770-hour class in March, and is sponsored by the Sebring police. He has completed his field training program with the police department and can work on his own.

"He was hired under a temporary employment authorization," said Sebring Police Lt. Karl Hoglund on Thursday. "There is a statutory requirement that they have to complete the academy within a certain time frame."

He has finished his firearms training, Hoglund said.

Haralson must complete the academy, pass the state exam and get his law enforcement certification. Married for 25 years with two boys, Haralson said his wife and family were supportive of his career change.

His class started on March 5 and will graduate on Feb. 7.

Defensive Tactics MoreThan Just Self-Defense

Classes are staggered, meaning there are actually two or three classes going on at the same time with different completion dates.

The junior Class No. 224, which started in October, was seated in a second-floor classroom while students listened intently to Fred Edgemon, lead defense tactics instructor, as he taught.

"We've got more stuff on our gun belts than Batman did," Edgemon said. "Whatever you've got on your belt you've got to learn how to use. Tasers work great when they work, but when you miss, you've got nothing except a little plastic gun."

After a short break, the class moved downstairs to the gym. It was time for practical application of what they studied in the classroom.

Edgemon and three other instructors took the students through their paces on padded mats. They spent close to a half hour on one topic; the Interview Stance.

There is a right and wrong way to stand while conducting an interview with a subject, in order to protect the "life lines," the areas on the body where the vital organs are located, he explained.

Stand at a 45 degree angle "with the gun side away," they were instructed, with "your shoulder square toward the subject." Keep about six feet distance, knees unlocked, with hands up near the chest and fingers not interlaced. Instructors walked along each line of cadets correcting whoever didn't quite have it right.

Cadets are first taught exercises to maintain their fitness and flexibility. Then they go for a brisk run. They also have access to a weight room.

From Caladiums To Cops

Jesse Sapp, 27, of Lake Placid, graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1999, then took one year at SFCC for agri-business before he went back into the family caladium farming business.

"That's kind of a seasonal job, about half a year, and there's not much to do in the summer while they're growing," he said. "But I've always wanted to become a game and fish officer."

With the backing of his family, he applied with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, often called game and fish.

"I applied last year and found out I needed to complete this course first," he said. "So it was about the same time I went and signed up for the academy."

His application is pending his completion of the course, he said.

"I do believe they have a four-week crossover course," he added.

Sapp is the oldest of three children, with a brother and a sister.

"It's a lot different than farming," he said, "but no one is trying to talk me out of it. My family has grown caladiums as long as I can remember."

He recalled when he was younger he saw a lot of wildlife officers on the job and in junior high school, he began thinking he'd like to be one.

"It was always one of those things I wanted to do but never could," he said.

But his life changed for the better.

On Oct. 29 he got engaged. His fiancé is a licensed EMT. He put her through EMS school and now she is putting him through the academy, even if the money is a little tight.

"I still work on the weekends," he said. "Even on the mornings when I'm not in here, I'm doing odd jobs and helping out my dad on the farm."

He's had to purchase his own uniforms, shoes, duty belts and ammunition.

"The school supplies the guns if you don't have your own gun," he said.

He just completed the driving course, where cadets are taught defensive tactics, skid control and evasive maneuvers.

He and his fiancé plan a wedding on May 17 after his graduation. While there is no guarantee, he is hoping he'll be stationed with the FWC to work in Highlands County.

Sapp loves the outdoors. That's why he chose fish and wildlife.

"I love to be in the woods," he said. "I love to be on the water. I don't like being cooped up in a car all day."

In 20 years he sees himself nearing retirement.

"I'm interested in getting a degree in criminal justice or in a public service field," he said. "I think this school is great. If you get your state certification there are endless possibilities, with state fire marshal, city police, the sheriff's office, the FHP, the FWC, FDOT, bailiffs, corrections, probation, division of forestry, and so on."

'Don't Get Ready, Be Ready'

Lauren Choiniere, 19, of Lake Wales, would like to become a crime scene investigator one day, a detective and ultimately a hostage negotiator.

"I love that stuff," she said. "It's got to feel good to have a puzzle and be able to solve it, or to bring closure to a family. And as a hostage negotiator you're trying to help save lives."

Although she's an only child, she talked her family into letting her pursue law enforcement, she said.

"Momma wished I had chosen a safer career," she said.

She is one of three female cadets in the class but said it doesn't faze her.

"I don't feel like this is a man's career," she said." I feel a woman can do this as well. Her favorite slogan is "don't get ready, be ready," which she heard Morey say.

What women may lack in size they can make up in speed and leverage, she suggested.

Some agencies will not consider a candidate until they reach 21 and Choiniere will still be 19 when she graduates in October. But she remains hopeful.

"I don't want to wait until I'm 21," she said. "Never underestimate yourself. If you have something you're passionate about never give up."

Choiniere said she got her feet wet in law enforcement working at the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office in data entry.

She was a lieutenant in the Explorers, at age 15.

"They teach you law enforcement and you get to go through an academy," she said. "They were just not as in-depth."

The junior class started out with 30 cadets, but one dropped out the first day. The students ranged from 19 to 48 years old and included three female cadets.

Morey said Thursday that the completion rate varies from class to class.

The senior class started with 15, but was down to seven, with two students being called for military duty.

Back From Iraq

Senior cadet Jonathan Corwin, 22, of Arcadia, is the first in his family to go into law enforcement. His mom and two sisters are proud of him.

He joined the Army National Guard in April 2003 and graduated from DeSoto County High School in May 2003.

"I swore in on the day we invaded Iraq," he said. "It was a surprise, but I knew what I was getting into. ... I knew I would be deployed in the near future."

Corwin spent 11 months in Iraq, based at the now infamous Abu Ghraib prison, and then at Camp Bucca, working as military police in detainee operations.

On Aug. 7, Corwin applied with the Wauchula Police Department and is employed there as a part-time police officer.

"The National Guard G.I. Bill paid for my school," he said.

Corwin said he is happy with the school and the things he is being taught.

"The training and experience is top notch," he said. "I've never been around a group of guys that I've cared about as much … I like the camaraderie.

"We learned the levels of use of force. What my response should be based upon a subject's actions and response. If they are complying then you can de-escalate the situation ... The rules of engagement are different from civilian to military."

He plans on staying in law enforcement; "Until whenever they don't let me work anymore," he said.

Corwin wants to try out investigations, tactical teams or S.W.A.T., and possibly narcotics, but definitely not corrections.

"I want a well-rounded knowledge of everything," he said. "I really don't want to get into detention again. I don't want to stay inside of a prison. I want to be outside and talk to people in the community ... On patrol I've got the entire city."

Each graduating class has a motto with an emblem that is designed and chosen by the class and is placed on its flag. The senior Class 223 chose "Without Reserve, Protect and Serve." The junior Class 224 chose "Hot Shots, All Guts, Bring It On." Upon graduation the flags are hung on the academy wall in a place of honor.

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