Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Sheriff, Deputy Now Certified

Chet A. White, 22, a native of Arkadelphia, graduated from the Arkansas State Police 1998-B Recruit School and was sworn in as a commissioned trooper in early December.

Trooper White was one of 29 recruits to complete the 17-week training course at the State Police Training Academy based at Little Rock.

Trooper White will be assigned to Troop G of the Highway Patrol Division at Prescott.

Col. Thomas A. Mars, director of the Arkansas State Police, addressed the new troopers in ceremonies at the State Capitol in Little Rock. Among the dignitaries present were members of the Arkansas State Police Commission, State Police commanders and other state officials.

Nevada County Sheriff Steve Otwell of Emmet and Deputy Danny R. Martin of Rosston were two of 110 officers who participated in Basic Police Training Class 98-D, at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in East Camden.

The 12-week, 480-hour course, which began September 27, included instruction in standard police tactics, firearms, legal, educational, technical skills and practical exercises. In each course, emphasis is placed upon the officers achieving excellence in both academic subjects and firearms training.

An officer must maintain an academic score of at least 70% on each examination, and consistently fire at least 80% during firearms training exercises to successfully complete all phases of the course.

Graduation ceremonies were conducted December 18 at 10 a.m. at the Southern Arkansas University Technical College gymnasium in East Camden.

Otwell and his wife Vivian have three children, Holly, 13, Shane, 11, and Brianna, 7.

Martin and his wife Jeanette have two children, Shawn, 14, and Ray 12.