Bamberg, South Carolina (July 2017) – Nine Bamberg County employees from three different departments recently received training and certifications from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in Columbia, South Carolina. This training was crucial to ensure County employees are adequately prepared for their job responsibilities and to serve Bamberg County citizens.

Bill Johnson, Bamberg County Director of Operations, attended a two week training to earn his Basic Class 3 Law Enforcement certification. This training and certification was necessary for Johnson’s role as a Litter Enforcement Officer, in addition to his other responsibilities with the County.

In the Communications-911 Center, six dispatchers earned Class 4 Telecommunications Officer Certification in the last year; Bamberg County now has eight dispatchers with this level of certification. In order to achieve this certification, dispatchers attend a two-week, 80 hour training program at the SC Criminal Justice Academy.  The purpose of the training is to maximize efficient response to community emergencies. The dispatchers certified this past year are Derek Jeffcoat, Casandra Carter, Theresa Laurey, Tyjah Deputy, Amanda Jeffers, and Lauren Threatt.  According to Dispatch Supervisor, Misty Cook, “This class increases the dispatcher’s confidence and enhances their ability to do the very stressful, multi-tasking job they are assigned.”

Within the past six months, two Detention Center officers graduated from the SC Criminal Justice Academy’s Basic Detention Training Program. Officer Zepheniah Grimes and Officer Shannon Glover received certification as a Class 2 Law Enforcement Officer upon successful completion of the three week, 120 hour training course. “This training is critical for our Detention Center Officers in their sometimes stressful positions. Officers learn self-defense, how to handle inmates, and other skills that allow them to be successful Detention Officers,” stated Corporal Latonya Broxton.

Bamberg County is committed to providing its employees with training that allows them to perform their job at the highest levels, thus providing quality services to Bamberg County residents. “We are proud of all of our Bamberg County employees who take time away from their homes and families to obtain training at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy,” said Joey Preston, Bamberg County Administrator. “Bamberg County is committed to supporting our employees to earn certifications that will benefit the employee, their colleagues, and Bamberg County citizens.”

For more information on this press release, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.