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Tag: East Central College's Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center

A group photo featuring ECC Rolla Director Christina Ayres, Rolla Police Department Assistant Chief William Loughridge, Phelps County Sheriff Michael P. Kirn, and ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer, standing together with awards in hand. The awards recognize the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Rolla Police Department for receiving the 2024 MCCA Business & Industry Award for their collaboration with East Central College in forming the Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC). An "MCCA" backdrop is visible behind them.

MCCA Business Award Highlights ECC’s Law Enforcement Partnership

November 25, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

In July, eight new certified peace officers graduated from the inaugural class of East Central College’s Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC), marking the culmination of a partnership between the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, the Rolla Police Department, and East Central College.

The dedication of these law enforcement agencies to building a well-qualified pipeline of peace officers and enhancing public safety earned the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and Rolla Police Department the prestigious 2024 Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Business & Industry Award, presented at the annual convention in Branson.

The award recognizes the pivotal role these departments have played in the ECC – Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center, a Department of Public Safety Peace Officer Standards and Training Program (POST)-accredited academy designed to meet the region’s demand for law enforcement training.

In 2021, ECC Rolla Director Christina Ayres, Phelps County Sheriff Michael P. Kirn, and Rolla Police Department Assistant Chief William Loughridge began developing a shared vision of a local training center. Their initiative became a reality in January 2023 when the center was officially licensed, and by the following August, the inaugural cohort embarked on their yearlong journey toward becoming licensed peace officers.

“The college would not have been able to solely develop and sustain a law enforcement training program and this essential continuing education pathway for our region without the comprehensive and collaborative support of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Rolla Police Department,” Ayres said. “This exemplary community partnership fully maximizes ECC’s mission of serving our communities through education.”

The departments not only supported the academy’s development but also contributed significant resources, including facilities, equipment, and ongoing recruitment programs. They provided use of specialized training tools such as the VirTra law enforcement simulator and vehicles for driver training, ensuring students receive high-quality, hands-on instruction.

Their commitment to workforce development has made the training center an indispensable resource for the region, strengthening the pipeline of licensed peace officers while reducing costs and travel burdens for local agencies.

For more information about the program, visit our Law Enforcement program page, or contact LETC@eastcentral.edu or 573-202-6960.

Group photo of inaugural class of the East Central College Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center

ECC Phelps LETC Graduates Inaugural Class of Eight New Officers

July 30, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Eight students have graduated from the inaugural class of East Central College’s Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC) and have already joined local law enforcement agencies.

A ceremony was held on July 26 to recognize this milestone, marking the culmination of three years of preparation to address the regional need for local officer training.

Certificate of Achievement in Law Enforcement graduate from ECC

The graduates, certified by the Department of Public Safety’s Peace Officer Standards and Training Program (POST) and having passed the Missouri Peace Officer License Exam, received badges from their hiring agencies during the ceremony. The graduates and their respective agencies are:

  • Aesa Al-Jurany, Rolla — Crawford County Sheriff’s Department
  • Luke Carnahan, Crocker — Waynesville Police Department
  • Michael Davis, Rolla — Phelps County Sheriff’s Department
  • James Henson, Rolla — Rolla Police Department
  • Alexander Krakuszeski, Rolla — Rolla Police Department
  • Hunter Solomon, Waynseville — Phelps County Sheriff’s Department
  • Stanley Taylor, Jr., Licking — Phelps County Sheriff’s Department
  • Jay Yelton, Rolla — Phelps County Sheriff’s Department

Since August 2023, the graduates have worked toward a Certificate of Achievement in Law Enforcement from ECC and have the option to complete additional general education requirements to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement.

ECC Rolla Director and LETC Director, Christina Ayres, applauded the graduates.

“I commend you for the dedication and perseverance you have shown to your educational journey. We’ve seen your grit, resilience, hope, and gratitude,” she said. “My wish for each of you is that you wear your well-earned badge with honor and commitment to the department and communities that you serve.”

Meeting Our Mission

ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer emphasized the LETC as a prime example of the college’s mission to meet community needs.

Dr.Bauer speaking at podium
ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer

“The LETC at ECC is the perfect illustration of that mission. Law enforcement officials came to the College with a critical need — there were no good options for individuals to train for a career in law enforcement in this region,” he said.

“Their question was at once simple and profound: Could East Central College help? Consistent with our mission to serve our communities and our strategic priority of expanding in Rolla, the answer was an easy and enthusiastic, Yes!”

The LETC was established through the efforts of Phelps County Sheriff Michael Kirn, Rolla Police Maj. William Loughridge, and Ayres.

Since August 2021, they have worked to address barriers for employers and future officers by reducing travel and lodging costs and decreasing lengthy commutes, allowing students to attend training while maintaining their current responsibilities.

The program also ensures that quality candidates familiar with the community are trained locally, fostering greater interest and retention. LETC students benefit from federal financial aid, scholarships, and support services, and the program exceeds state requirements by offering more training hours.

Alexander Krakuszeski
Alexander Krakuszeski

Student Awards

LETC graduate Alexander Krakuszeski received the 2023-2024 Outstanding Law Enforcement Student Award for his professionalism, positive attitude, work ethic, and teamwork.

A faculty member noted, “Throughout the entire academy training, he consistently stepped up into a mentor role, he encouraged teamwork from all recruits, and whenever he noticed someone struggling with PT or one of the other core classes or assignments, he always stepped up. He showed true professionalism, he led by example, he offered encouragement, support, and he demonstrated to his classmates how to be more successful.”

Luke Carnahan
Luke Carnahan

Additionally, Krakuszeski was presented with the Marksmanship Excellence Award and Academic Excellence Award. Luke Carnahan received the Physical Fitness Excellence Award, and Hunter Solomon and Stanley Taylor, Jr. were recognized for perfect attendance.

For more information about the program, visit our Law Enforcement program page, or contact LETC@eastcentral.edu or 573-202-6960.