January 2025 marks an extraordinary milestone for the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department: a number of deputies not seen in some time are set to graduate from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. These deputies, who have undergone rigorous training to prepare them for the demands of law enforcement, will soon bring their skills and dedication to the community they serve.
On Jan. 17, six Lexington County deputies walked across the stage to receive their certification as Class 1 law enforcement officers. Another three deputies will graduate Jan. 31. Nine deputies graduating in one month highlights the county’s commitment to building a strong and capable law enforcement team.
Congratulations to Gian Cibella, Kolby Fifield, Herber Jackson, Karl Leuesoff, Kylie Stowell, Dave Witter, Garrett Cagle, Gus Mann and Thomas Moore.
Witter shared, “Growing up in Jamaica, I always wanted to be in law enforcement because my uncle was a police officer. I did a lot of volunteer work with first responders – law enforcement, fire, EMS – growing up. It’s always been a part of me, and I’ve stuck with it.”
His dedication to serving his community reflects the passion and commitment shared by all the graduates, who are ready to make a positive impact in Lexington County.
About the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA)
The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy is the cornerstone of law enforcement training in the state. Its mission is to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and competency by providing comprehensive training and maintaining a continuous certification process. The academy ensures that only qualified individuals enforce South Carolina’s laws.
Leuesoff, another recent graduate, retired from the New York Police Department in 2020 and moved to South Carolina in 2023.
“I’m 50-years-old, it was a great accomplishment for me to go through the Academy. I loved the experience,” Leuesoff said. “I got to experience the difference between New York, and now I know what South Carolina is like.”
State-of-the-art training
The SCCJA is a premier institution that provides centralized training for all law enforcement personnel in South Carolina. Its experienced instructors deliver a curriculum of theoretical education with hands-on training, including firearms, defensive tactics and real-life simulations.
“The academy definitely taught us how to do defensive tactics, firearms and driving. They did different scenarios the last few weeks just so we could get a feel of how law enforcement is here,” said Stowell, a graduate in this round of deputies.
The academy’s national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, awarded in 2016, highlights its commitment to excellence. This accreditation ensures accountability, enhances training quality and confirms compliance with rigorous standards. As part of CALEA’s four-year review process, the SCCJA remains dedicated to preparing graduates to serve their communities effectively and confidently.
The basic law enforcement program
Central to the academy’s training is the Basic Law Enforcement program. This 12-week program is designed to provide officer candidates with the essential knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform their duties as certified law enforcement officers. Upon completion, graduates are certified as Class 1 Law Enforcement Officers, ready to uphold the law and protect their communities. The program is both demanding and rewarding, ensuring candidates meet the high standards set by the state of South Carolina.
What This Means for Lexington County
The graduation of these nine deputies marks a milestone for both Lexington County and the SCCJA, showing the county’s commitment to public safety through well-trained law enforcement professionals. These new deputies bring valuable skills and knowledge to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, fostering a safer community.
These noteworthy classes highlight the county’s leadership in prioritizing safety and the values of service and professionalism these deputies represent.
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