By MEREDYTH EARNEST

BC Director of College Relations

James E. Spooner Jr. made history Thursday, Aug. 16, as he was sworn in as the first chief of police of the newly formed Bainbridge College (BC) police department.

“Today marks an important point in our continued effort to ensure that Bainbridge College remains a safe and secure environment,” BC President Richard Carvajal said.

A. Wallace Cato, Superior Court Chief Judge of the South Georgia Judicial Circuit, administered the oath of office. In addition to the many BC employees present, Spooner’s parents, Lynette and James Earl Spooner Sr., were on hand for the swearing-in. Spooner Sr. is the chief of police in Attapulgus.

“I am deeply honored to have this opportunity to serve as the chief of police for Bainbridge College,” Spooner Jr. said. “I want to thank all of those in the Bainbridge and Decatur County law enforcement community I have had the honor of serving with for providing me with opportunities for leadership and success over the years.

“Bainbridge College has been an important part of my life for many years, and I am proud of the positive impact it has on our community. My goal is for us all to work together to provide a safe and secure Bainbridge College for students and employees.”

Other special guests included Michael Bryant, aide for U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop; Wendell Cofer, Decatur County undersheriff; Wiley Griffin, Decatur County sheriff ; Eric Miller, director of Bainbridge Public Safety; Joe Mulholland, South Georgia District Attorney; Judge Ralph Smith, chief magistrate of Decatur County; and other local law enforcement officers.

Spooner, a one-time BC student, has been affiliated with the college since 2005, when he began as a part-time instructor of criminal justice. In March 2012, Spooner was hired as the director of public safety at the college, and tasked with transforming the department into a fully functioning police department.

“Having professional police offers on campus enhances what we were already doing to keep Bainbridge College safe,” said Shawn McGee, BC vice president for business affairs.