The training was sponsored by the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association and partially funded through a grant from the Governor’s Crime Commission.

Twenty-seven sheriff’s from across the state received their diplomas at a ceremony held at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

The Sheriff’s Leadership Institute consisted of four one-week training programs — 160 hours — conducted over a period of two years.

The first two weeks were designed to provide specific, technical skills necessary to assume the office of sheriff.

The second two weeks were designed to further their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the leadership and management of the sheriff’s office.

On March 25, Sergeant Wallace Ransom was awarded the Advanced Service Award.

He was approved for the award for having 21 years of criminal justice service.

The purpose of the Advanced Service Award is to recognize dedicated sheriff’s, deputy sheriff’s and detention officer’s loyal and competent service to a particular North Carolina Sheriff’s Office and also to the state.

To qualify for the Advanced Service Award, officers must complete a minimum of 20 years of service. Captain Courtney Williams was awarded his Criminal Investigator Specialist Certificate from Coastal Plains Law Enforcement Training Center at Wilson Community College.

Williams completed 364 hours entailing death investigation, drug investigation, investigation of sex offenses as well as many other investigative topics.

Williams also graduated from the Coastal Plains Law Enforcement Management Institute in senior level management training.

Williams completed 216 hours which entailed time management, budget planning, developing community relations as well as many other senior level management topics.