Wortham Graduates From Law Enforcement Training Academy

Yalobusha County sheriff’s deputy Tyler Wortham, III, (center) graduated from Mississippi Delta Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy on October 8. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, law enforcement officers from his department including Sheriff Mark D. Fulco (right) and Major Jerimaine Gooch were not allowed to attend the graduation and instead congratulated him when he arrived at the sheriff’s department later that afternoon.

Yalobusha County deputy Tyler Wortham, III, was one of 34 law enforcement officers who graduated from Mississippi Delta Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy in Moorhead on October 8. Wortham was previously certified as a part-time law enforcement officer prior to earning full-time certification during the 12-week training.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, family members and heads of departments from the agencies where the law enforcement officers worked were not allowed to attend the graduation, which was live streamed. Each graduate marched across the stage to get their diploma before citing the oath of honor collectively.
“On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the constitution and the community I serve,” the graduates recited.
At 43, Wortham reported he was one of the older members of the class. He also said he dropped 17.5 pounds during the rigorous 12-week class, and more than that as he worked to get in shape prior to starting.
“It was an obstacle to overcome,” Wortham said. “I would encourage all young people to follow their dreams, they can do it,” he added. Wortham has worked more than a decade as a part-time officer, but reported the training at the academy will be a big benefit.
“Communication, that was one of the biggest things that was stressed,” Wortham reported. “The class also offered the latest training on many situations law enforcement officers could face such as an active shooter situation.”