Sheriff Coleman tells Savannah-Chatham cadets honesty, teamwork matter at junior police academy graduation

Chatham County Sheriff Richard Coleman, the keynote speaker at a Savannah-Chatham County Public School System junior police academy graduation, congratulated more than 60 middle-school cadets and urged them to be honest, use good judgment and work together.

The junior police academy, described at the event as “planting the seeds of law enforcement” for more than 60 SCCPSS middle-school students, highlighted skills training and an oath cadets recited during the ceremony. Sheriff Coleman noted that he served as Savannah’s first junior police officer in 1988 and used his remarks to stress character and cooperation.

“But if law enforcement is gonna be the profession that you desire, number 1, you've got to be honest. You've got to use good judgment. You gotta learn to be cool. No 1 person can do it by themselves, but together together we can,” Sheriff Richard Coleman said.

Cadets described skills they learned in the program. “I have learned amazing things like CPR. I learned how to march. I learned the meaning of titles,” one cadet said. Cadets also recited the academy oath during the ceremony; the oath included the line, “I will never betray my badge.”

Event materials and speakers identified the program as run in partnership with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS). The ceremony recognized cadet leadership and the completion of the academy training; speakers urged graduates to carry the experience forward with pride and purpose.

“For SCCPSS, I'm Ken Slatz,” a speaker concluded, identifying the school system in closing remarks.