EAST CAMDEN -- A lone bagpiper led 98 newly minted police officers to their graduation ceremony Friday morning at Southern Arkansas University-Tech.
His rendition of "Scotland the Brave" echoed throughout the cavernous multipurpose center's gymnasium as the men and women -- each wearing neatly pressed uniforms emblazoned with law enforcement patches from agencies across the state -- filed inside.
More than 300 people snapped pictures and held their phones high in the air to record the event.
Thirteen weeks of grueling training at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in East Camden is finally over for these officers, but they will always feel like family.
"We are a brotherhood," said Jason Lawrence, the 2015 graduating class leader and a chief deputy at the Garland County sheriff's office. "This is not an easy job. It requires a lifestyle change, and the badge is heavy. We see the public from low to high.
"When we see violence, we know we will have to stand and remain calm. Law enforcement is in a very low place right now in the public's eye, and there has never been a more dangerous time to be a police officer. As we go out and perform our duties, let us be brave, honest and safe."
Jami Cook, director of the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training, praised those who trained the 98 men and women to wear a badge and protect the public, saying: "I believe we have the most talented staff anywhere. They have a dedication to training like I have never seen before. Arkansas is blessed to have you training our officers."
Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge were among the dignitaries in attendance at the ceremony.
In an address to the graduates, Hutchinson told them to keep their perspectives clear as they patrol the streets, back roads and neighborhoods across the state.
"Remember to keep faith, prayer and humanity close to you," Hutchinson said. "You have to remember the human side of your jobs and know that some of the people you encounter will need a second chance.
"Law enforcement is an all-encompassing endeavor. It is you who make the difference in our society, preventing chaos. The rule of law makes our democracy strong."
Hutchinson also spoke of his own law enforcement experience. The governor served as a U.S. attorney for the Western District of Arkansas and was appointed to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2001. He also led the Border and Transportation Security Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security.
Hutchinson said that in today's world, even officers in the smallest towns need to be globally minded, adding that this was one of the most important things he learned during his career.
"Even though you work in a local community, you have a global mission," the governor said. "I remember working on a methamphetamine case, and we were able to trace the roots all the way from Arkansas to China. There is a global network of drugs that can lead right to your local streets. And it's important to keep that in mind."
State Desk on 08/01/2015