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PAGE 2 March 2026 E-Edition
The Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department will host an Advanced Women’s Self-Defense Class on April 18 at the Beck Conference Center. Admission is free and open to women ages 13 and older. The class will begin at 8 a.m., with a classroom session scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon. A firearms range session will follow from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The training event is designed to help participants build confidence, strengthen situational awareness and develop practical self-defense and firearm safety skills. Instruction will be led by experienced professionals from the Gadsden State Police & Public Safety Department, along with instructors from partnering local law enforcement agencies. Additional instructors and special guest speakers will be announced at a later date. Class highlights include: Hands-on self-defense techniques; Legal insights on self-protection; Firearm awareness and safety training; A supportive and empowering learning environment; and Lunch and snacks provided. For the Firearms portion the participants should 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. “We’re honored to bring this level of training to our community and sincerely thank the departments and partners who are helping make this event possible.” Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. To register, contact Emily Feemster at 256-549-8276 or efeemster@gadsdenstate.edu. For additional information, contact Chief Freeman at jfreeman@gadsdenstate.edu. This event offers a unique opportunity for women in Gadsden and throughout Alabama to learn, grow and strengthen personal safety skills in a positive and engaging environment. Advanced Police Management Training GSCC To Host Women’s Self Defense Class Gadsden State Community College Police Chief Jay Freeman has completed 160 hours of police management training through the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police and the University Partnership of Alabama as part of the Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program for the state of Alabama. Gadsden State Executive Vice President Dr. Tera Simmons recently recognized Chief Freeman’s achievement, presenting him with a certificate in acknowledgment of his commitment to professional development and campus safety. Chief Freeman’s accomplishment reflects the College’s continued commitment to professional development, leadership and excellence in law enforcement. The Police Management program focuses on leadership development, policy advancement, risk management and strengthening the profession to better serve campuses and surrounding communities. Ongoing leadership training strengthens the department, and it enhances decision-making, improves policies, supports officer development and ensures the police force remains proactive in keeping the campuses and community safe. Chief Freeman now joins other Alabama police chiefs who are working toward advanced certification and investing in the future of law enforcement leadership across the state. “Leadership is not about a title; it is about service and responsibility,” Freeman said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to continue learning alongside other law enforcement leaders across Alabama. The knowledge gained through this program will allow us to build stronger relationships, elevate our level of service and better serve our students, employees and communities each day.” Gadsden State Police and Public Safety is committed to developing strong leaders who help ensure safe campuses and resilient communities.
Submitted Photo GSCC Expands Workforce Training Partnership Supporting Anniston Munitions Center Employees
Gadsden State Community College is strengthening its workforce training efforts by providing Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A training and Hazardous Materials Entry-Level Driver Training at no cost to employees of companies located in Alabama, an opportunity that the Anniston Munitions Center has taken advantage of through the College’s Skills for Success Innovation Program. Several Anniston Munitions Center employees, who work at the Anniston Army Depot as a tenant organization, have completed CDL Class A training through Gadsden State. Participants also completed Hazmat ELDT theory through the College. All training was provided at no cost to either the employee or the employer. Interest in the program has continued to grow following early participation. After completing the training, one employee shared the opportunity with colleagues, leading to additional referrals within the Anniston Munitions Center. Gadsden State currently has one Anniston Munitions Center employee enrolled in the CDL program, with plans for additional participants in upcoming classes. In recognition of the partnership, the Anniston Munitions Center presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Darrell Horton, recognizing his outstanding service and dedication to the Anniston Munitions Center. The certificate highlighted Horton’s leadership and pivotal contributions to the Gadsden State Commercial Driver’s License initiative, noting that his efforts directly enabled five Anniston Munitions Center employees to obtain CDL licenses. The Anniston Munitions Center previously recognized Ms. Shayondra Griffin of Gadsden State for her exceptional administrative support. “This partnership is a strong example of how Gadsden State is helping employers meet workforce needs while removing financial barriers for employees,” said Alan Smith, president of Gadsden State Community College. “By offering no-cost CDL and HAZMAT training, we are supporting career advancement for workers and strengthening the regional workforce.”
The training opportunities offered through Gadsden State are supported by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Innovation Center. As a division of the ACCS, the Innovation Center brings together the state’s community colleges, business and industry, and community partners to deliver rapid, industry-recognized, non-credit training in some of Alabama’s most in-demand career fields. Through initiatives like this, the Innovation Center is committed to building a skilled workforce by expanding access to high-quality training that prepares individuals for long-term career success. “Our partnership with Gadsden State Community College is a critical force multiplier for our mission. This program provides our valued employees with essential, no-cost training to further their careers, which in turn directly enhances our operational readiness and safety. By equipping our team with the necessary CDL and HAZMAT certifications, Gadsden State is making a direct and meaningful investment in the Anniston Munitions Center and the security of our nation's warfighters," said Lt. Col. Steve Wallace, ANMC commander. Various Anniston Munitions Center roles require a CDL with a HAZMAT endorsement to support the safe transport of materials. Following the 2022 Department of Transportation changes requiring Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), the added Theory of Driving and HAZMAT courses increased the overall cost of obtaining a CDL. As a result, utilizing the Gadsden State CDL Initiative Program benefits both the organization and individual employees by offering a lower overall cost than external options and significantly reduces employees’ initial out-of-pocket expenses. Gadsden State’s CDL program provides hands- on instruction and requires safety training designed to prepare participants for immediate entry into the transportation and logistics workforce. For more information about workforce training opportunities at Gadsden State, visit www.GadsdenState. edu/Skills-Training.
Submitted Photo
The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation proudly announces Dr. Martha Lavender, former president of Gadsden State Community College, has established the Dr. Martha and Tim Lavender Endowed Scholarship to benefit graduates of Hokes Bluff High School. Dr. Lavender’s generous gift will create a permanent source of scholarship support for deserving students from Hokes Bluff High School who choose to continue their education at Gadsden State. As an endowed scholarship, the fund will be invested to generate annual earnings, ensuring that students will receive financial assistance not just today, but for generations to come. Dr. Lavender, who served as president of Gadsden State Community College from 2015 to 2020 and dedicated her career to expanding educational opportunities in the region, said the scholarship reflects both her personal commitment to students and her gratitude for the community she has long served.
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