Two Vicksburg police officers graduate academy with top honors

The ranks of the Vicksburg Police Department grew by two Thursday as Michael Whitley and Jeremy Hooper graduated from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy in Pearl, Mississippi.

The curriculum at the academy has been modified due to COVID-19. Recruits are required to stay at the academy for eight straight weeks. Previously, the program ran several additional weeks while allowing weekends off.

Both officers took top honors, with Hooper being recognized as the best in the class in physical agility. Whitley was recognized for the highest average academically.

The class, the 245th class of the academy, consisted of 53 recruits.

The officers will report back to their respective shifts for additional instruction with a field training officer before being assigned to one of four shifts with the patrol division.

Congratulations, officers, from your friends at Vicksburg Daily News.