Montgomery Police Academy presents Class 2024 Charlie 3 at graduation ceremony

A graduation ceremony for the Montgomery Police Academy Class 2024 Charlie 3 was held at Church of the Highlands; the transcript did not specify a date.

The event recognized graduates from multiple local and regional law enforcement agencies, presented certificates from the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and honored top performers in firearms, academics and overall achievement.

Chief James N. Grayboys, chief of police for the Montgomery Police Department, told the graduates they would be “expected to serve with high expectations, standards, and responsibilities” and urged them, “Never ever compromise your integrity.” Jeremy Reed, chief of staff for the city of Montgomery, and Sheriff Derek Cunningham of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office also addressed the class. “Titles don't matter,” Sheriff Cunningham said repeatedly, telling graduates their given names and training matter most as they begin patrol duties.

Academy staff named the class officers and recognized award recipients. Officer Malcolm X Gaynor (Montgomery Police Department) and Deputy Michael R. Harvey Jr. (Montgomery County Sheriff's Office) served as class presidents. Officer Cameron I. English (Wetumpka Police Department) received the Marksmanship Award with a 100% firearms average; Gaynor received the Academic Award with a 94.86% academic average; Deputy Joshua R. Reed (Montgomery County Sheriff's Office) won the Marvin Stanley Award with a 97.3% overall average. The academy noted the training period lasted 17 weeks.

Senior Sergeant K. L. Jackson and other academy instructors reminded graduates that academy training is only the start of their careers and emphasized officer safety and continual learning. The class chaplain gave the benediction; staff and city officials presented certificates of completion from the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.

Organizers asked attendees to remain for the presentation of colors, the national anthem and invocation before the program, and the ceremony closed with a presentation thanking Church of the Highlands for hosting the event. The transcript notes two officers were unable to attend and were recognized in absentia. No formal votes, motions or policy actions were recorded in the transcript of the ceremony.

The ceremony name, list of awards and several speaker remarks are taken from the meeting transcript; the transcript did not specify the event date.