DeKalb Police Academy Class 138 graduates six officers; county leaders emphasize recruitment, support and community policing

Six recruits graduated from DeKalb Police Academy Class 138 in a June 3 ceremony that included remarks from Interim Police Chief Gregory Padrick, Public Safety Director Joseph "Jack" Lumpkin Sr., and CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson. The academy’s primary instructor, Trey Jones, and class leader David Rose addressed attendees before badges were pinned and the recruits were sworn in by a magistrate judge.

"Being a police officer is more than just a job, it's a calling," Padrick told graduates, urging them to uphold honesty, respect, courage and empathy as they begin patrol training. Padrick said recruits had endured months of physical training, exams and scenario work and urged them to support each other once assigned to field training.

Director Lumpkin emphasized the need for officers to remain connected to community and family, calling community partnership essential to public safety. "You are a leader, and the community looks to you to help solve their problems," he said, and urged new officers to protect their character and stay supported.

CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson praised the graduating class and cited county actions to support public safety recruiting and retention. She said DeKalb had raised pay for police officers and announced targeted benefits, including a $5,500 monthly housing allowance for staff who choose to live in DeKalb and a down‑payment assistance program (details described as available to new hires who wish to purchase their first home).

Instructor Trey Jones presented awards from the academy: David Rose received a firearms award and served as class leader; Denique Wisdom received the academic award; Sohaib Al Shamari won both the spirit‑of‑the‑class award and was runner‑up in academics; Portia Cummings received the instructor’s choice award and was separately commended for her performance during a ride‑along. Family members pinned badges before Magistrate Judge Beryl Anderson administered the oath of office.

The ceremony included a community invocation, presentation of colors and the national anthem. Officials noted plans to continue recruitment and training efforts; the administration reported a recent recruiting event that produced a strong pool of candidates and said a forthcoming police class will be among the larger recent intakes.

Why it matters: Recruitment and training are key operational priorities for county public safety. The county is pursuing financial and retention strategies while emphasizing community partnership in policing.

What’s next: New officers will enter field training assignments; county officials said they will continue recruitment events and produce a larger incoming class in the weeks ahead.