Lawrenceburg Police Department Leaders Graduate from Southeastern Leadership Academy

LAWRENCEBURG, Tenn. – The City of Lawrenceburg is proud to announce that Deputy Chief of Operations Hughie Englett and Captain Ben McDow have successfully completed the Southeastern Leadership Academy (SELA), an intensive five-week leadership development program designed to strengthen leadership skills and prepare law enforcement professionals for greater responsibilities within their departments and communities.

In addition to completing the program, Deputy Chief Englett received a special distinction when he was selected by his fellow classmates to receive the academy's Leadership Award. Chosen by a class of 37 law enforcement professionals, the recognition reflects the respect and confidence Englett earned from his peers throughout the program.

Hosted by the University of Tennessee's Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, SELA brings together law enforcement professionals from across the region for advanced leadership training. The academy is designed specifically for mid-level law enforcement managers and provides university-level coursework led by experienced law enforcement professionals.

The program began in July and concluded with graduation in October. Unlike traditional training academies, SELA's five weeks of instruction are spread across several months, allowing participants to continue serving their departments while completing the rigorous program.

Throughout the academy, participants engage in interactive instruction, collaborative exercises and discussions focused on five key areas: foundations of leadership and leading others, leadership skills, building external relationships, employee and internal matters and critical issues facing law enforcement.

The completion of SELA also marked the final phase of a comprehensive leadership development program offered through the LEIC. Prior to attending SELA, Englett and McDow successfully completed both the First Line Leadership and Advanced Leadership courses, each consisting of 32 hours of instruction. Having completed all three components of the program, both officers were awarded a certificate in Organizational Leadership from the University of Tennessee, recognizing their commitment to professional growth and advanced leadership training.

For Deputy Chief Englett, receiving the Leadership Award was especially meaningful because the recognition came from his fellow law enforcement professionals.

"Being selected by my classmates for this award is truly an honor, especially considering the caliber of law enforcement professionals who participated in this academy," said Englett. "Leadership isn't about a title or position. It's about earning the trust and respect of those around you, setting the right example and helping others succeed. I'm grateful for the relationships built during this experience and for the opportunity to bring what I've learned back to the Lawrenceburg Police Department."

Captain McDow described the academy as one of the most rewarding professional development opportunities of his career.

"Over the past couple of years, I've been fortunate to have some incredible professional development opportunities through the Lawrenceburg Police Department, but this experience has truly been one of the most rewarding," said McDow. "The knowledge, relationships and leadership skills I've gained through this academy will have a lasting impact on me, both personally and professionally. I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate and look forward to putting what I've learned into practice."

The successful completion of this comprehensive leadership program by Deputy Chief Englett and Captain McDow, along with Englett's recognition by his peers, reflects the Lawrenceburg Police Department's ongoing commitment to professional development, strong leadership and excellence in public safety.

By investing in advanced training opportunities, the department continues to strengthen its leadership team and ensure its officers are equipped to meet the evolving needs of our community.

The City of Lawrenceburg congratulates Deputy Chief Englett and Captain McDow on these significant professional achievements and thanks them for their continued dedication to serving and protecting the citizens of Lawrenceburg.