Training Academy graduates 11 peace officers

A family member of Ashley Whitt takes a photograph of her with Tom Burns, site coordinator for the Missouri Sheriffs' Association Training Academy Tuesday night. Whitt graduated in uniform as an officer with the Kennett Police Department. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)

Poplar Bluff Police Patrolman Trevor Parks (right) hugs his brother, Austin Riley, after pinning his Butler County Sheriff’s Department badge on the newest graduate of the Missouri Sheriff’s Association Training Academy. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)

Aaron Huling (right) watches as Wayne County Sheriff Dean Finch pins on his badge Tuesday night. Huling earned honors for perfect attendance, firearms and as salutatorian. He also was an honor graduate for Class 248. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)

Zachary Lacewell (left) stands arm and arm with his father, New Madrid County Lt. Danny Lacewell, following his graduation Tuesday  night. The younger Lacewell will join his father at the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)

Butler County Chief Deputy Wes Popp (right) pins a badge one of the department’s newest deputy, Zachary Austin, following his graduation Tuesday night from the Missouri Sheriffs; Association Training Academy.  (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)

Kenneth Carpenter (right) and Aaron Huling stand to be recognized for having perfect attendance during the 10-month Missouri Sheriff's Association Training Academy held at the Poplar Bluff Police Department. Bryon Tyler also was recognized for perfect attendance. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)

New Madrid County Lt. Danny Lacewell is followed into the sanctuary at Westwood Baptist Church Tuesday night by the cadets of the Missouri Sheriffs' Association Training Acadmey. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)

Alexandria Holmes poses for a photograph with her children after receiving her diploma Tuesday night. Holmes was among 11 who graduated as certified peace officers from the Missouri Sheriffs' Associate Training Academy. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)

Damien Smith  poses for a photograph with his girlfriend and son after receiving his diploma from the Missouri Sheriffs' Training Academy Tuesday night. Smith graduated in uniform as a deputy with the Carter County Sheriff's Department. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)

Byron Tyler (right) shakes hands with New Madrid County Lt. Danny Lacewell as his prepares to receive his diploma for graduating Tuesday night. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)

Members of Class 248 of the Missouri Sheriffs' Association Training Academy pose for a photograph following their graduation Tuesday night at Westwood Baptist Church. Front row, from right: Ashley Whitt, Kennett Police Department; Zachary Thompson; Aaron Huling, Wayne County Sheriff's Department; Kenneth Carpenter, Jackson Police Department; and Austin Riley, Butler County Sheriff's Department. Back row, from right: Byron Tyler, Dexter Police Department; Damien Smith, Carter County Sheriff's Department;  Zachary Lacewell, New Madrid County Sheriff's Department; Alexandria Holmes; and Zachary Austin, Butler County Sheriff's Department. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)