Tuesday's Internet Edition, July 08, 2008.
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Schulz and Rodgers were part of an elite group selected to the program conducted at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. The training consisted of 20-weeks of rigorous and highly specialized training areas such as ethics, leadership, legal issues, skills, problem solving, wellness, community service, physical fitness, and communications. Texas Police Corps Director James Heironimus stated that unlike typical training, the TPC spends a great deal of time on communication skills. “In many cases, police officers can diffuse a bad situation simply with appropriate communication,” said Heironimus.
The Director explained that each applicant to the TPC program undergoes a thorough basic background investigation, and successfully completes a physical ability/fitness assessment. “We take the highest hiring standards of the state’s police departments and raise the bar higher,” confirmed Heironimus.
Texas is one of 23 states receiving funding by the Justice Department for police training programs. Participants in the TPC who successfully complete the program are guaranteed employment by a participating Texas law enforcement agency. Both men have already completed three of the four TPC requirements, graduate from an accredited four-year college or university, complete the police corps training, and meet all requirements for law enforcement certification. The last requirement is to serve four years assigned to community patrol with an approved agency. The two men are currently interviewing with several area participating agencies.
Lance Schulz graduated in 2004 from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He is the son of Leonard and Taronda Schulz of Lincoln and the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Travis McCardle and the late Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Schulz.
Blane Rodgers graduated in 2002 from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He is the son of Bobby L. and Janice Rodgers of Lexington and the grandson of Laura Richter and the late Clifford Richter and the late Harry and Bessie Rodgers.