At a ceremony last week, the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) graduated 58 new officers who will serve 30 different agencies across the state. The MLEA is operated by the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ), providing basic and advanced training for state, county, city and tribal law enforcement officers throughout the state.

DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation Administrator Bryan Lockerby addressed the graduates, stressing the importance of teamwork, humility, and character. Lockerby said, “We develop our ethics, our character, as we grow up. It’s like the root system on a tree. The roots are your character and integrity, but what is above ground is your personality. Character, ethics, and the appropriate use of discretion will help you navigate through life, no matter what profession you choose.”

Keifer Lewis of the Prairie County Sheriff’s Office was elected by the class to speak on its behalf during the ceremony. Lewis said, “We all have received some outstanding training and knowledge here at the academy, but do not let the learning stop. Strive to become better, strive to become smarter, strive to become stronger. Good enough never is – always keep that in mind, and come home safe.”

Several of the graduates received awards for their performance during training:

Brandon Couture received the Josh Rutherford Award, which is given to the officer in each class who achieves the highest scores in defensive tactics. The award is given in memory of Blaine County Deputy Sheriff Josh Rutherford, who was a defensive tactics instructor with the Montana Law Enforcement Academy when he lost his life in the line of duty in 2003.