The Community State Bank supports Basic Peace Officer Training Academy at Kiamichi Tech

Posted Date: 06/15/2021

POTEAU, Okla. – The Workforce and Economic Development Center at Kiamichi Tech - Poteau is meeting training needs for local law enforcement by offering a Basic Peace Officer Certification (BPOC) Academy projected to begin in July. In support of this program, The Community State Bank (TCSB) made a donation to Kiamichi Tech that will be used to purchase equipment and supplies for the BPOC Academy.

“We appreciate The Community State Bank’s continued support of our programs,” said Michael Culwell, Kiamichi Tech – Poteau Campus Director. “Their significant financial contribution to the BPOC Academy will supply weapons, ammo and a gun safe, which help us keep the overall cost of the program low.”

Bob Reed, Chairman of the Board of Directors at TCSB, and Larry Spradley, President and CEO at TCSB, recently toured the Kiamichi Tech – Poteau Campus, along with Kiamichi Tech leadership and local law enforcement. The group got an in-depth look at the full-time Criminal Justice program and viewed the area of campus that will house the BPOC Academy.

“Kiamichi Tech has always strived to provide state-of-the-art courses and we are pleased with our continued partnership,” said Spradley. “We trust this donation reinforces our commitment to education in the communities we serve.”

The BPOC Academy has gained significant community, business and law enforcement support. The program will welcome 10 commissioned cadets in its first class this July.

“We understand the importance of public safety and are committed to providing high-quality training for this essential workforce in the Kiamichi Tech District,” said Shelley Free, Kiamichi Tech Superintendent. “The support shown by The Community State Bank helps us meet that need and is greatly appreciated.”

The Academy is a four-and-a-half-month program covering all facets of law enforcement education from driver training and firearms safety to defensive tactics and criminal investigations.

For more information about the Basic Peace Officer Certification Academy, visit ktc.edu/bpoc, contact the Workforce and Economic Development Center at 918-647-4525 or email trainingpoteau@ktc.edu.