Bluefield, VA – Bluefield University alumnus Logan Hinnant ’20 graduated from the Virginia State Police Training Academy on January 21, 2022. The 58 members of the 135th Basic Session began their 27 weeks of academic and physical training on July 6, 2021.
A native of Fredericksburg, VA, Hinnant challenged himself growing up, from learning to play chess, becoming a member of the Eagle Scouts, and playing various sports. Hinnant knew he wanted to continue his football career after high school in 2015. He continued his education at Fork Union Military Academy (FUMA) to receive more scholarship opportunities to play collegiate football.
“I came on a visit in July 2016,” said Hinnant. “I toured the campus and saw how beautiful it is and loved the small-town vibe that the area gave you. The school reminded me of high school when it came to the teachers actually knowing who you were. Even though my high school was twice as big as Bluefield.”
Hinnant was inspired to go into law enforcement by the male figures in his life, his father and uncles. His father served in the military and worked in corrections. His uncles; a trooper of 34 years, a retired FBI agent, and a sheriff’s deputy of 28 years.
“I found out that other men before my father were law enforcement as well,” said Hinnant. “The way they carry themselves and the lives they live is what made me want to go into this career.”
Hinnant switched majors to criminal justice during his time at BU. His advisors, Dr. Kim Farmer and Dr. Kelly Walls, encouraged him on this path with his academics.
“I was welcomed with open arms from Dr. Kim Farmer and Dr. Kelly Walls,” shared Hinnant. “They were some of the key factors that helped me realize that this was the degree path for me. Both were always so helpful but strict on their grading, which in turn, helped me become more studious and strict on myself when it came to my academics.”
“I will forever remember Logan and the blessing it has been for me to watch him fulfill his passion and navigate the path to becoming a state trooper,” said Dr. Kim Farmer, Professor, and Dean of the School of Criminal Justice. “I am immensely confident that this young man will operate with integrity and honor in serving others and will positively impact the lives of those he encounters throughout his career and his personal life. He exemplifies all that that the Bluefield University School of Criminal Justice strives to instill in our graduates, and our love and prayers will go with him always!”
Hinnant believes his time at BU made the academy training a bit easier.
“The academy curriculum is different than from what it was in college,” said Hinnant. “It was surely easier because there were things that I had already learned about in some of the courses I took.”
According to the Virginia State Police, the new troopers have received more than 1,300 hours of classroom and field instruction in more than 100 different subjects, including de-escalation techniques, strategies to assist people in mental health crisis, ethics and leadership, fair and impartial policing, constitutional law, emergency medical trauma care, and public and community relations. Upon graduation, the new troopers reported to their individual duty assignments across the Commonwealth. During their final phase of training, each trooper will spend an additional six weeks paired up with a Field Training Officer learning their new patrol area.
Hinnant looks forward to this new chapter in his life and its opportunities.
“It’s a challenging career path, and if you want to do it, it’s a calling,” shared Hinnant. “Every day is a challenge, and you have to strive to be the best you because that’s what will make your life in the academy better. One key factor is to never give up on your dreams. Being strong mentally and able to control your emotions are things that will get you places in life.”
