While it’s never advisable to comment on a good stretch of lack of serious crime in the city, said Brookhaven Police Chief Bobby Bell, the graduation of three police recruits from the Police Academy bodes well for the peace and safety of Brookhaven citizens into the city’s future.

On Thursday, Bell and the Brookhaven Police Department had the honor of congratulating three officers on their completion of Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer’s Training Academy.

After an intensive 12-week course of instruction, Seth Easterling, Thomas Barlow and Kyle Brady hold the distinction of being certified police officers with the Brookhaven Police Department.

Courses offered at the academy are a well-rounded program of instruction in practical police knowledge, according to Mississippi Minimum Standards Training Act.

Each student in the class receives an opportunity to certify in police skills including firearms, defensive driving, CPR and first-aid. The program is a comprehensive mix of academic and physical skills training and testing.

“I’m very proud of these guys and look forward to working with them,” Bell said.