Cullman County Sheriff's Office - Sheriff Matt Gentry

Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Academy

One of Sheriff Gentry’s visions when he took office in January of 2015; was to provide the youth of Cullman County with a Youth Leadership Academy.  Sheriff Gentry refers to our children as our greatest asset and as leaders, we must give them the tools to be successful in life.

The purpose of the Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Academy is to provide the youth of Cullman County with an understanding of the importance of; Leadership, Patriotism, Respect, and how to make decisions based upon Sheriff Gentry’s guiding principles of Honor, Courage, and Integrity.

Students will experience team-building skills while overcoming their fears, all in the face of diversity.  Students will learn how the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office strives to provide efficient and professional law enforcement while serving the Citizens of Cullman County.  Students will also learn the importance of taking pride in their Homes, Family, and Community.

The Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Academy runs for one week (Monday-Friday) each summer and is FREE OF CHARGE to students & parents.

The Academy includes classroom instruction and events such as:

  • Impressive Speakers
  • K-9 Demonstration
  • SWAT Team Demonstration
  • Range Time / Firing Semi-Automatic and Fully Automatic Weapons
  • Ropes Course
  • Rock Wall Climbing (Courtesy of the Alabama National Guard)
  • Gladiator Pit (Courtesy of the Alabama National Guard)
  • Death Investigation
  • Obstacle Course Competition
  • Shoot / No Shoot Scenarios
  • Physical Training
  • Self-Defense Classes
  • Tours of the Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center
  • FREE T-Shirts and lunches are provided daily
  • Special Graduation Ceremony
  • Ride Along with Patrol Deputy (upon completion of the program, each student will receive the opportunity to have one (1) Ride Along)

Students earn 40 hours of Community Service Credits through the Academy while adding value to their resume.

Student Qualifications for the Academy are:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • Entering their Sophomore, Junior, or Senior year of H.S.
  • Possess a current drivers license and insurance
  • Possess dependable transportation
  • Complete an Academy application and waiver
  • Cell Phone (preferred, not required)

Students can obtain an application/waiver to the Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Academy through their High School Office, their School Resource Deputy, or by emailing the Academy Coordinator at rsorrow@cullmansheriff.org.

For more information contact Lt. Rex Sorrow at 256-735-3957 or via email at rsorrow@cullmansheriff.org.