The Piedmont Regional Criminal Justice Training Academy celebrated the graduation of 21 officers from Basic Law Enforcement Class 24. Among them were seven officers from Henry County, with most of the remaining graduates representing the City of Danville Police Department.
The keynote speaker was Martinsville General District Court Judge and former prosecutor Joan Ziglar, who delivered remarks centered on humility, integrity, and service.
“Today, I think I’ve written more speeches and torn them up than for any other occasion I’ve ever spoken because this is truly important to me,” Ziglar said.
Ultimately, she blended two speeches into one.
“You are a servant now, you are not a leader, you are not a master, you are a servant to your community,” she said.
Ziglar encouraged departments to have officers retake their oath annually and hold one another accountable.
“Honor your oath at all times. Review it and live by it,” she said. “If you see one going astray—say something. Don’t let one officer bring down an entire department.”
She warned graduates about the consequences of dishonesty.
“Never test a lie. Simply testify. Your integrity goes with you everywhere you go. When you lose it—it’s gone.”
Ziglar, a former Commonwealth’s Attorney in Martinsville, recalled an agreement she had with former Martinsville Police Chief Mike Rogers — any officer caught lying would be removed from duty.
She also urged graduates to take court preparation seriously.
“Know your case. The defense attorney has already watched the body-worn camera” footage “and they will use it against you,” she said. “Don’t expect the prosecutor to do your job.”
Ziglar closed her remarks by reminding graduates that their badge, gun, and body camera are tools to preserve life.
“Don’t develop a God complex. You’re not omnipotent. You’re a servant,” she said. “What you take with you won’t be material things—it will be the work you’ve done. Aim to hear ‘job well done.’”
Class President Jeremy Lovelace, a graduate from the Danville Police Department, spoke on behalf of the class.
“We came in as strangers, but shared a commitment to serve,” Lovelace said. “Success wasn’t about being the strongest—it was about showing up and lifting each other.”
He thanked the instructors for teaching not only tactics but leadership and humanity.
“You taught us how to lead,” he said. “We’ll carry that into every call.”
Lovelace concluded by reflecting on the responsibility ahead.
“Law enforcement is in a rough place. Change starts with us. The easy part is over. The hard part starts now.”
Graduates
*Henry County Sheriff’s Office:
Christy Barker, Martin Falloon, James Rumley II, Douglas Smith, Johnathan Thomas, Timothy Willis, Kevin Hendricks.
*Chatham Police Department:
Zane Williams
*Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office:
Gavin Harless
*Danville Sheriff’s Office:
Samuel Hamlett, John Phelps
*Danville Police Department:
Jacon Adkins, Matthew Davis, Joshua Gorrera, Tristyn Hall, Evan Hawker, Jeremy Lovelace, Jayquan Morton, Isaac Shifflett, Candace Shively, Hugh Wyatt Jr.
Awards and Recognition
*Firearms: Isaac Shifflett (Danville Police), 98.4%
*Emergency Vehicle Operations: Douglas Smith (Henry County), 1st; Gavin Harless (Pittsylvania), 2nd; Kevin Hendricks (Henry County), 3rd
*Physical Fitness: Joshua Brown, Christy Barker (both Henry County)
*Academics: Joshua Gorrera (Danville Police), highest academic score; Johnathan Thomas (Henry County), top in Option 6 academic track
*Director’s Award (Professionalism): Martin Falloon (Henry County)
*President’s Award (Leadership): Jeremy Lovelace (Danville Police)
*Instructor Award: Evan Wilson (Danville Police)
