By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
Last Friday morning, Joseph Calhoun graduated from the Central Texas Police Academy as one of the BPOC Delta Class 2025, and after the ceremony was sworn in to begin his career with the Copperas Cove Police Department.
Officer Calhoun was also named a recipient of the Elijah Garretson Academic Achievement Award, the highest academic honor presented by the academy.
This is not a new award but was recently renamed in memory of the Copperas Cove Police Department’s own Officer Elijah Garretson. Garretson, who died in the line of duty in January of this year, received the academic award when he graduated from the academy in June 2025.
Garretson’s widow, Lexi, presented the award to Calhoun and fellow award winner at the graduation ceremony.
This class marked the first time that two cadets tied for the award, with Randall Schnell with the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office also receiving the award..
Calhoun was one of 19 who graduated from the academy.
“Our class pretty much came together as a team very much from the very beginning,” Calhoun said in an interview with CTC. “We were always willing to help each other out. If someone was struggling, we were providing extra study material or sitting with them going over questions. Everyone came together as a family unit to work together and ensure that no one was left behind. It was a great experience and if law enforcement is something that you are interested in, CTC is a good avenue to take.”
The CTC Police Academy is now accepting applications for upcoming academies beginning March 30 (Bravo) and June 22 (Charlie).
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