Stephen Fletcher, a new officer in the Arkansas Tech University Department of Public Safety, was selected as the leader for the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy Class of 2024-A.
The 112-member class completed its 13-week course of study with a graduation ceremony on Thursday, April 4.
“It was not easy for any of us to be away from those we love,” said Fletcher in his graduation speech to his fellow law enforcement officers and their families. “We’ve missed birthdays, anniversaries, ballgames and so much time. Time that we’ll never get back. Know that, while many lifelong friendships were developed here at this academy that have allowed us at times to be distracted from missing home momentarily, we will never negate the fact that each and every one of you has had to continue life without us. Which I imagine was physically, mentally and emotionally draining. That, in and of itself took extraordinary courage. Again, thank you all.”
Fletcher was joined in the ALETA Class of 2024-A by another new ATU Department of Public Safety officer, Marty DuVall. Marty’s grandfather, Aaron DuVall, is retired from a law enforcement career that included service as Pope County Sheriff.
Family was on Fletcher’s mind as he stood before his classmates and spoke. He told the story of how his father, Leion Fletcher, was killed in a tornado on Feb. 5, 2008.
“On this day I lost someone who laid the foundation and set the pillars for me becoming the man standing before you today,” said Fletcher. “I’d like to believe that my father would be proud of my accomplishments as well as how I’ve had the courage to keep going in times that I just wanted to give up. My father was a man who did not meet a stranger and if he were with us today there is zero doubt in my mind that he would shake each and every one of your hands, tell you how proud he is of you and remind you that no weapon formed against you shall prosper.”
According to information published to its website, ALETA was established in 1963 by the Arkansas General Assembly. The objective of ALETA continues to be “for the training and instruction of state, county, municipal and other law enforcement officers”.
Basic and specialized law enforcement training courses are taught at ALETA year round.
The ATU Department of Public Safety “is committed to excellence in law enforcement while protecting and serving the students, faculty, staff and other constituents of Arkansas Tech University,” according to its mission statement.
That mission statement goes on to read that the department “works in collaboration with the Arkansas Tech University community to encourage civic engagement through innovative safety programs and promotion of the responsive, safe and secure campus environment necessary for student, faculty and staff success.”
Learn more about the ATU Department of Public Safety at www.atu.edu/psafe.
