The Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) held graduation ceremonies for its tenth Motor Carrier Officer (MCO) School, Friday, October 27, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth.
Colonel William Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety (DPS), delivered the graduation address. Georgia DPS Lt. Colonel Kendrick Lowe gave the oath of office.
In an address to his fellow classmates, Officer Nicholaus Ferguson, class president, reflected on the classes’ journey together. “April 16, 2023, which we refer to as Day Zero, was our introduction to academy life. We were a group of individuals who shared a common goal of becoming a part of the best agency, Ferguson said. “As the days passed, acquaintances forged into friendships which led to the cohesive motivated team that you see before you today. As we transition into our new roles, we are proud to be the newest members of MCCD, and we will continue to uphold the core values and skills we learned during our training.”
Four graduates received special honors for top performance in various proficiencies. The honorees were:
- Driving Proficiency – Officer Wallace Boyd
- Firearms Proficiency – Officer Nicholaus Ferguson
- Top Gun – Officer Wallace Boyd
- Highest Academic Average – Hunter Carr
For having the highest academic average, an 83.98, Officer Carr received a $500 scholarship toward a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Reinhardt University.
In addition to class president Ferguson, the following graduates were recognized for their leadership: Officer Riunte Demmons, vice president; Officer Carla Gann, secretary/treasurer; Officer Jaylin Germany, pennant bearer/chaplain; and Officer Alonzo Merchant, sergeant-at-arms.
After 24 weeks of intense training, these 10 officers will report to one of 10 Regions around the state.
Officers and Assignments
| OFFICER | HOME COUNTY | APPOINTED REGION |
| MCO Bryon Bostick | Mitchell County | Region G, Station 19 |
| MCO Wallace Boyd | Berrien County | Region H, Station 18 |
| MCO Hunter Carr | Bibb County | Region D, Station 18 |
| MCO Kevin Cuiksa | Houston County | Region H, Station 17 |
| MCO Riunte Demmons | Laurens County, | Region F, Station 15 |
| MCO Nichlous Ferguson | Muscogee County | Region D, Station 10 |
| MCO Mitchell Fortson | Crisp County | Region H, Station 18 |
| MCO Carla Gann | Catoosa County | Region A, Station 1 |
| MCO Jaylin Germany | Bibb County | Region D, Station 12 |
| MCO Alonzo Merchant | Carroll County | Region C, Station 7 |
