Augusta Tech Police Academy celebrates the graduation of Class 037

Photo of Augusta Tech Police Academy graduates - Class 037. Photo courtesy of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

Date: June 03, 2025

Augusta Technical College held the graduation ceremony for Police Academy Class 037 on Monday morning, June 2, in the ITC Auditorium on the Augusta Tech Campus.

The event marked the culmination of months of rigorous training for future peace officers in the region, according to a press release from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Eugene Brantley of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office served as the guest speaker and delivered an address centered on the theme of integrity — highlighting it as a fundamental value in law enforcement and a cornerstone for effective public service.

Graduates Itanji Bryant and Dana Taylor were recognized for their exceptional performance at the ceremony. Photo courtesy of Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Two graduates, Itanji Bryant and Dana Taylor, were recognized for their exceptional performance. Deputy Bryant earned the prestigious Class Leader Award, while Taylor received the Top Driver Award, underscoring their commitment to excellence and the high standards of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Academy Director Eric Showberger officiated the ceremony, administering the swearing-in of the new Peace Officers and offering closing remarks.

The graduates of this class include Itanji Bryant, Alaina Olson, Ethan Sidbury, Jahanie Thompson, Tariq Matthews, Brandon Powell and Dana Taylor.

Sheriff Eugene Brantley (center) congratulates recent graduates from Augusta Tech’s Police Academy. Photo courtesy of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has several recruits currently completing their training through the Police Academy hosted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, according to a press release from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Their graduation is set for later this month.

“It was an honor to speak with these future peacekeepers and to see two of our best from RCSO graduate today. I am proud of each of them and look forward to serving alongside them,” Brantley said.

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