Starkville police congratulate officers after academy graduation

Chief Mark Ballard and the Starkville Police Department congratulated Officers John Derivaux and Arex Wyatt after the officers graduated from the Mississippi Delta Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy, Class 26-B83, the department said in a Facebook post.

The department said Derivaux earned recognition for high averages in academic, firearms and physical fitness categories and was honored for his leadership as a squad leader. Wyatt was recognized for high averages in the academic, firearms and physical fitness categories and received separate recognition for his high overall average.

Law enforcement academies such as the Mississippi Delta Community College program provide basic certification training that combines classroom instruction, firearms training and physical conditioning required for municipal policing. Graduations mark completion of that training and readiness to begin or continue field duties with local agencies.

The Starkville Police Department is the municipal agency responsible for public safety in Starkville, Mississippi. Recognition of high-performing recruits often signals departmental emphasis on training, fitness and leadership development as it brings new officers into community service. We will provide more information as it becomes available.