Impact Georgia Magazine - Regaining Momentum Summer 2022 | Page 11

GDC Staff Earn Special Agent Certification
REGAINING MOMENTUM - SUMMER 2022
REGAINING MOMENTUM - SUMMER 2022

GDC Staff Earn Special Agent Certification

On Thursday , June 16 , the Georgia Department of Corrections ( GDC ) hosted a graduation ceremony recognizing twenty-one GDC staff for completing the Georgia Bureau of Investigation ' s Basic Agent Academy . As the first class solely comprised of GDC staff , these Special Agents ( SA ) were recognized and swore an oath during the ceremony , to serve and protect Georgians . After completing 456 hours of instruction to include firearms , defensive tactics , crime scene processing , interviews and interrogations , all graduates are now qualified as Special Agents .

The level of commitment , teamwork , and perseverance these Agents have shown during their training is outstanding ," said Commissioner Timothy C . Ward . " They bring a diverse set of skills to our team , and we are confident in their commitment to guarding the front lines as they uphold their oath to protect the public .

These men and women join the ranks of fellow Special Agents responsible for investigating criminal activities , conducting crime scene searches , assisting in the prosecution of cases , gathering information for the identification of persons and criminal intelligence , apprehending wanted persons , and performing other related law enforcement duties .
During the awards ceremony earlier in the week , the following Special Agents were recognized :
Academic Award
• SA Edward Allen Gylfe Class President
• SA Travis Sparks
Class Team Leaders
• SA Hannah Rittweger
• SA Barry Whitfield
• SA Josh Williams
• SA Maria Wilson Top Gun Award
• SA Josh Williams
Fitness Awards
• SA Ashley Jay
• SA Josh Williams
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