POCAHONTAS, Ark.—After two decades at the helm of Black River Technical College’s Law Enforcement Training Academy, Director Jared Bassham has stepped down, with leadership passing to Ashley Boles, a former mentee and colleague.
A ceremony held in the academy’s lobby marked Bassham’s departure. Friends, family, and former students attended to honor his contributions. Bassham leaves behind a legacy of training officers from across the state, including members from multiple generations of the same families.
Ashley Boles steps into the director role after years of working alongside Bassham at the academy. Reflecting on Bassham’s impact, Boles stated, “Every instructor here has learned something from him. And we will pass that along to our students.”
The academy’s mission remains unchanged, Boles said, focusing on producing highly trained officers prepared to serve communities across Arkansas. The academy offers a rigorous 13-week program designed for officers already serving. This curriculum includes constitutional law, physical training, and realistic scenario-based instruction to prepare participants for challenges in the field.
“Jared Bassham has set this academy on the right path,” Boles noted, emphasizing that his influence will continue to shape training programs. “He wants the officers who come out of this academy to be the best in the state.”
With Bassham’s departure, Boles said the academy is well-positioned to maintain its strong standards and focus on excellence.