Police Department Celebrates Two Years Alabama Ledger www.AlabamaLedger.com PAGE 6 July 2025 The Sports Ledger www.TheSportsLedger.com
This month marks a significant milestone for Gadsden State Community College and its surrounding communities as Chief Jay Freeman and the Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department celebrate two years of service, progress, and purpose. Since its formation, the department has made remarkable strides across the college’s five campuses and the three counties it proudly serves. Before Chief Freeman’s arrival, Gadsden State did not have any sworn law enforcement officers. Today, the department stands as a blended force of sworn police officers, public safety personnel, and non-sworn staff— all working in unity to protect, serve, and build lasting relationships. This transformation has been a success story rooted in leadership, training, and a deep commitment to customer service. Under Chief Freeman’s leadership, the Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department has not only established a foundation of safety and trust but has become a model of community-focused policing in higher education and beyond. “No one campus is the same—just like the communities we serve,” said Chief Freeman. “Every area deserves tailored relationships, and that begins with listening first, being respectful, and offering excellent customer service. That’s how I was raised, and that’s how we operate every day.” What began as a vision has quickly grown into a dynamic and dedicated law enforcement agency that prioritizes relationship-building, campus safety, and proactive service. In just two years, the department has: • Launched the first-ever Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at Gadsden State, providing early support for students in distress. • Established a dedicated Chaplain Program, offering spiritual and emotional care to both students and staff. • Appointed a mental health officer, now deputized through the probate office, to assist with crisis intervention and provide individuals with access to critical mental health resources. • Expanded training and outreach initiatives, including the launch of: A free Women’s Self-Defense program; A Basic Civilian Firearm Safety Course focused on situational awareness and responsible gun ownership; and the Golden Rule/Bully Prevention Program, which is now being taught in schools across the region • Formed local, state, and federal apprenticeship partnerships, providing students with hands-on experience and future career pathways in public safety and law enforcement. • Added several new sworn law enforcement officers to meet the growing needs of the college’s events and daily operations across its three-county jurisdiction. Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton recently announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with a burglary that occurred in the Ballplay Community. According to a press release, Steven Kennedy, 42, and John Wesley Hunter, 38, have been arrested and charged with Burglary 3rd Degree & Theft of Property 2nd Degree. On June 8, 2025, the Etowah County Sheriff's Office received a report from a victim whose residence, located at 7744 Centre Road in Gadsden, had been burglarized. Multiple items were reported stolen from the property. Thanks to the assistance of eyewitnesses, surveillance footage from local businesses, investigators were able to identify two suspects in the case. A follow up interview at the possible suspects' residence led to the discovery of evidence consistent with the burglary. Based on those findings, a search warrant was obtained and executed, resulting in the recovery of some of the stolen property, which has since been returned to the victim. Arrest warrants were subsequently issued for both suspects. On July 8, 2025, deputies with the Etowah County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Hokes Bluff Police Department, made contact at the suspects' residence and successfully took both individuals into custody. "This is another great example of how community cooperation, technology, and solid police work come together to hold criminals accountable," said Sheriff Horton. "We're grateful for the support of the public and our law enforcement partners in getting justice for this victim."
Submitted Photo
• Invested in essential equipment and resources that empower officers to safely and effectively serve a diverse student population and community base. “Our team isn’t just trained, they’re committed,” said Freeman. “Many of our public safety officers and personnel had existing relationships on these campuses when I arrived. We’ve built on that foundation to develop one of the most well-rounded, service-driven departments in the state.” "At the heart of our department’s success is our emphasis on customer service. We believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect, listening to concerns before responding, and leading with clarity, compassion, and communication. Training is a constant priority, whether it’s for our officers, our safety staff, or our broader community. By investing in leadership development and skill-building, we ensure that everyone on our team is equipped to serve at the highest level," he added. “We’ve got an amazing team at Gadsden State, truly some of the best people I’ve had the privilege to work with,” added Freeman. “They come from all walks of life and bring diverse skill sets to the table. The most rewarding part of this journey has been building relationships with our students—getting to know them, earning their trust, and being a daily source of support and safety.” The department’s focus remains clear: continuous improvement, expanding community partnerships, and
providing exceptional safety and support to students, faculty, staff, and guests of Gadsden State. By expanding our skill sets and supporting one another, we strengthen our ability to keep our campuses and communities safe. “We’ve been blessed to build this department from the ground up, something not many people get to do,” said Freeman. “But this is just the beginning. When we lead with respect, focus on customer service, and treat people the way we’d want to be treated, we build something lasting. That’s how we move forward, together. Safety will always be our number one priority and the driving force behind everything we do.” “In just two years, the Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department has made a tremendous impact—not only on our campuses but throughout the surrounding community,” said GSCC President Alan Smith. “Their presence has enhanced the sense of security, strengthened community trust, and built meaningful relationships with our students, faculty, and neighbors. Their success is a testament to the power of service, visibility, and leadership.” For more information about the Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department, its programs, or how to get involved in community safety initiatives, please contact Chief Jay Freeman jfreeman@gadsdenstate.edu or visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/safety-security.
Burglary Investigation Leads to Two Arrests
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Steven Kennedy
John Wesley Hunter
The Gadsden State Community College Police and Public Safety Department has announced an Advanced Women’s Self-Defense Class. The class will be held on August 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Alabama Firearms Academy, located at 100 Elizabeth Street, Suite #439, in Boaz. Admission is free and open to women ages 13 and up. This training event is an opportunity for women to build confidence, sharpen situational awareness, and learn life-saving self-defense and firearm safety skills. Instruction will be led by professionals from the Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department, the Alabama Firearms Academy (AFA), the Boaz Police Department, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Marshall County District Attorney’s Office, and the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office. Class Highlights include: Women's self defense class to be held on Boaz
• Hands-on self-defense techniques • Legal insights on self-protection • Firearm awareness and safety • Supportive, empowering environment • Lunch and snacks provided by Morgan House Delicatessen • Door prizes from generous community sponsors
• Firearms portion: Please bring a functioning handgun and 50 rounds of ammunition. "This class is more than just self-defense—it’s about giving women the tools to feel confident, capable, and safe," said Chief Jay Freeman of the Gadsden State Police Department. "We’re honored to bring this level of training to Boaz and sincerely thank the Alabama Firearms Academy for the invitation to serve their community through this collaborative effort." Spots are limited, and early registration is encouraged. To register, contact Emily Feemster at 256-549-8276 or efeemster@gadsdenstate.edu. For more information, contact Chief Jay Freeman at jfreeman@gadsdenstate.edu.
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