Joshua Fisher (’01 grad)
Special Agent, United States Secret Service

“As a special agent, my daily responsibilities include investigating financial crimes, including counterfeit currency, credit cards, checks, and identification documents; bank, wire, and access device fraud; and computer crimes which include network intrusions or ‘hacking’ cases. I worked as an officer with the Uniformed Division of the Secret Service for 3 years then became a special agent, the position I've held for the last 6 years.

“The most enjoyable part to me is the ability to help the victims of crimes, whether it’s an individual citizen who’s been the victim of an Internet scam or a large corporation who has suffered the loss of a substantial amount of money as a result of a network intrusion.

“PCC’s criminal justice program provided me with the broad overview of the life of a law enforcement officer, touching on the skills needed to survive as a patrol officer as well as revealing the qualities needed to be a leader or someone in a management position.

“The most valuable instruction I received was regarding communication. Clear, concise communication is essential during the investigation of a case. This includes obtaining the victim’s statements, interviewing the witnesses and suspects, documenting the findings in a report, and ensuring the facts are accurately presented and understood in all judicial proceedings.”

Joshua Davis (’04 grad)

• Detective, Richardson Police Department (TX),
  Operational Support Unit
• Awards: Officer of the Year (’09)

Before becoming a detective, Josh served on night patrol, where he worked with the SWAT team and K-9 division, made several high-profile robbery arrests, and worked in conjunction with the FBI and U.S. Marshall’s Office.

“I thank God for the opportunity He gave me to attend PCC. Through the classes and teachers, I believe I received the best criminal justice education possible. The education and study habits I received at PCC played a major role during police academy and helped me graduate as salutatorian of my class.

“God has truly blessed me with the opportunity to work with the Richardson Police Department. When I first applied, the background investigator was extremely surprised at the amount of ‘religion’ (as he called it) involved in my life. He initially thought I was too sheltered, but the Chief thought differently, and I began my career in July ’04.

“One thing I have learned as a police officer is the great value of human life. God gives me security each day I report to work, and no matter what happens, He always brings me through any situation I can’t handle alone.”

Scott McCracken (’02 grad)
Special Agent, United States Secret Service

“My current responsibilities are to investigate federal violations of law, specifically counterfeit currency violations, financial fraud, U.S. Treasury check fraud, and Internet fraud. My responsibilities also include providing protection for individuals covered under U.S. law. The Secret Service represented what I thought was one of the most trusted law enforcement agencies in the world due to their role as protector of its most influential leaders. God led me to this position through the positive influence of a professor at PCC.

“PCC’s program was important because the high standards ingrained an attention to detail that has proven to be important in everything I do on the job. Experience is crucial, and the two internships that I participated in as a student proved to shape the direction of my career. Trust is the cornerstone of the Secret Service. PCC’s Bible-based program provided a foundation to build the character necessary to be deemed trustworthy.”

Chris Sawyer (’05 grad)

• Deputy Specialist, Field Operations Division, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (VA)
• Police Academy Instructor

Chris’s interviewing officer was so impressed with his character and demeanor that he contacted PCC to hire more criminal justice graduates. Later, Nate Ferguson, Sarah Gerlach, Josh Lowder, Aaron Marks, Randy Stackpole, and Curt Ulmer (’05 grads) were hired.

“I handle a wide range of police services, including traffic enforcement, service and 911 calls, patrol, etc. I also do a lot of training and teaching in defensive tactics, tazer, and firearms.

“There are lots of applicants and strong competition for law enforcement jobs. My education at PCC gave me an advantage. PCC gave me a strong foundation for learning and understanding laws, and taught me the theory and motives behind juvenile delinquency, crime, etc. The most valuable lesson I learned was to never lower my guard, and always pay attention and observe my surroundings.”

Brian Wright (’94 grad)
Administrative Services Lieutenant,
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (VA)

Awards: Selected to attend the FBI National Academy Session 229 (Quantico, VA) from April–June 2007.

“The education that I received at PCC gave me a familiarity with the Law Enforcement work environment and terminology that helped me learn the necessary job skills quickly. PCC also helped me develop right priorities (God first, family second, then my job…after that everything else falls into place). I learned many valuable lessons from the PCC faculty that I still use daily including developing a strong work ethic and having a godly testimony in the workplace.

“I now have 16 years with my Office and look forward to what God has in store for me in the future. My prayer is that He will continue to use me as a witness in the Criminal Justice field.”

Stephen Keyes (’06 grad)
State Trooper, Florida Highway Patrol

“When I came to PCC in 2001, I felt that God was leading me into the field of Criminal Justice. But after my first year, I began to doubt God’s calling for my life. I had the misguided feeling that I could not be used by God unless I made myself into something He was ‘able’ to use. I studied in the pre-Med field for two years; I felt that God could certainly use a doctor instead of a law enforcement officer. After two years of God working in my life through personal devotions, chapel messages, church services, revivals, and the counsel of godly friends, I returned to the place to which I had been called.

“As I neared the end of my college education, God used a Criminal Justice Forum conducted by Corporal Ben Glass of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) to place a desire in my life to work in the area of traffic safety. I applied for the Patrol at the end of 2005. In March of 2006, I found out that I had not been selected for the next Basic Recruit Class with FHP. I was confused over this ‘bump’ in the road. Through this event, however, God taught me that his perfect calling also has perfect timing. I surrendered every aspect of my future career to him at a church service during my last semester. God led me to apply for a staff position at the College. When I graduated in May of 2006, I began working for the Print Shop (where I had worked throughout college). For two years, I was able to serve in the ministry that had so deeply impacted my life.

“During my time on staff, God led me to reapply for the FHP. I followed His guidance. In June of 2008, I was selected to attend the 116th Basic Recruit Class. I served as a Squad Leader during the academy and received the Public Speaking Award for the class. I graduated in December of 2008 and was assigned to work in the Pensacola District. I now know that God can best use a man who is a 'God-made man' and not a ‘self-made man.’

“The academic excellence promoted by the faculty of PCC prepared me for the challenges of the FHP Academy and work as a trooper. Additionally, I was taught by the members of the CJ Faculty that I should do the work of a Law Enforcement Professional to the best of my ability in order to honor God, not to for personal gain.”

Justin Keller (’04 grad)

• Patrol Officer, Indianola Police Department (IA)
• Awards: Officer of the Year (’09)

Justin willingly served as acting sergeant during his sergeant’s military deployment in Iraq. He assumed the new responsibilities knowing he would resume patrol officer duties when the sergeant returned.

“As a criminal justice major, the knowledge I gained at PCC was extremely beneficial in preparing me for the police academy and for being an officer. As the youngest officer in the department and with only two years’ experience, I was promoted over officers who were older and had much more experience.

“I’ve learned that being a police officer can distort one’s perspective of the world. Constantly dealing with ‘bad people’ in negative circumstances can sow a pessimistic outlook on life. But reminding myself of God’s grace has led me into some great discussions with people at the end of their rope with nowhere to look but up. As a Christian in law enforcement, the opportunities to be a shining testimony for Christ are endless.”