The TJC Law Enforcement Academy graduated its 27th class of cadets on Friday. Pictured front, from left: Jon Stone, Tyler Police Department; Ryan Edmonds, Smith County Sheriff’s Office; Jackson Hug, Tyler Police Department; Alejandra Flowers, Tyler Police Department; Lt. Herbert Hayter, TJC academy director; second row, Dr. Tom Johnson, TJC assistant vice president of student affairs; Jimmy Johns, Tyler Police Department; Aaron Keathly, Tyler Police Department; Brandon Upshaw, Smith County Sheriff’s Office; and Jay McClung, Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office.

Smith County just got a little bit safer.

The Tyler Junior College Law Enforcement Academy graduated its 27th basic peace officer class on Friday.

Eight graduates successfully completed the 19-week basic peace officer course, as required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

“All eight police cadets passed their State Licensing Exam,” said Lt. Harold Hayter, academy director. “We are extremely proud to be sending these TJC cadets out to protect the communities they serve.”

This marks the 12th consecutive year that the academy graduating class has achieved a 100-percent passing rate on the State Licensing Exam on their first try. Academy graduates have three chances to pass the exam, but TJC’s graduates have passed on the first attempt each year.

Class valedictorian is Jackson Hug.

Graduates and their law enforcement agencies are: Ryan Edmonds, Smith County Sheriff’s Office; Alejandra Flowers, Tyler Police Department; Jackson Hug, Tyler Police Department; Jimmy Johns, Tyler Police Department; Aaron Keathly, Tyler Police Department; Jay McClung, Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office; Jon Stone, Tyler Police Department; and Brandon Upshaw, Smith County Sheriff’s Office.