Sheriff Troy D. Berry announced the addition of six new officers to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office following their graduation from the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy (SMCJA) Police Entrance Level Training Program. The officers were part of a class of 17 graduates, including four from Calvert County and seven from St. Mary’s County, who completed the program on December 20. That morning, the officers took their Oath of Office, administered by Lisa Yates, Clerk of the Circuit Court for Charles County.
“Pursuing a career in law enforcement requires dedication, and these six recruits have proven their commitment,” said Sheriff Berry. “Their graduation is a testament to their desire to protect and serve our communities. We commend their hard work and the sacrifices made by their families throughout this journey. A sincere thank you also goes to the outstanding leadership of the SMCJA staff and guest instructors, whose mentorship has been crucial in preparing these officers for their career in law enforcement.”
Graduation Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony began with Class Coordinator Cpl. Matthew Nauman of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office introducing the graduating class. Bobby Jones, director of the SMCJA and a representative from Calvert County, welcomed graduates and their families and highlighted the rigorous training program that began in May 2024 and included over 1,000 hours of instruction.
The event featured a performance of the National Anthem by Danielle Baker and a presentation of the colors by Honor Guard teams from Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s counties. Chaplain Gwendoline Bankins from St. Mary’s County delivered the invocation and benediction, while opening remarks were provided by Sheriff Steven Hall of St. Mary’s County and Wayne Silver of the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions.
Officer Nicholas Oliver of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office served as the class speaker.
Award Recipients
Several graduates received awards for exceptional performance in various categories:
- Scholastic Award: Officer Andrea Prichard (Charles) with a GPA of 99.52 percent.
- Physical Fitness Award: Officer Andrea Prichard (Charles) with a score of 1311 out of 1600.
- Firearms Award: Officer Jeremy Steeber (St. Mary’s) with a score of 99.25 percent and a perfect score on the written test.
- Emergency Vehicle Operations Award: Deputy Thomas Dewey (St. Mary’s).
- Steve Allen Award: Deputy Nicholas Morgal (Calvert), presented for leadership, initiative, motivation, and compassion, in memory of SMCJA founder Steve Allen.
Class Leader Officer Nicholas Morgal, along with Guidon Bearer Officer Arthur Masoero, concluded the ceremony by retiring the Class Guidon.
Graduates
The following officers successfully completed the SMCJA Police Entrance Level Training Program:
Charles County Sheriff’s Office
- Bryce L. Duehring
- Jackson T. Ferguson
- Chloe D. Hart
- Arthur J. Masoero
- Nicholas M. Oliver
- Andrea J. Prichard
Calvert County Sheriff’s Office
- Jake A. Angell
- Christopher B. Blackistone
- Nicholas A. Morgal
- Nathan C. Robey
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
- Matthew A. Camp
- Thomas J. Dewey
- Ian E. Flaherty
- Jason M. Ogas
- Alex M. Sams
- Cody T. Stamp
- Jeremy T. Steeber
Join the Charles County Sheriff’s Office
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is actively hiring. For more information, visit https://www.ccso.us/recruiting/.
To view photos from the graduation ceremony, visit https://photos.app.goo.gl/aVrodjgSYe3dVPHN7.
