March 2022 | Volume 15 | Issue 7
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THE 280 CORRIDOR’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE
GAINING NEW
PERSPECTIVES Shelby County Sheriff Office’s Capt. Jason Myrick completes training at FBI’s National Academy By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
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apt. Jason Myrick now has another accomplishment to add to his already impressive resume: He recently graduated from the FBI’s National Academy, becoming the sixth officer at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office to complete the prestigious training. The executive-level program is designed for leaders in law enforcement organizations around the globe. It provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication and forensic science. The goal is to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge and cooperation worldwide. Myrick had originally planned to begin training in January 2020, but the session was canceled due to the emerging threat of COVID-19. “I had gotten to the point of reconciling the fact I may never get to go,” Myrick said. “I was thinking my retirement was going to get here before I had a chance to attend.”
See MYRICK | page A28 Capt. Jason Myrick of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office recently completed the FBI National Academy leadership training in Quantico, Virginia, where he took graduate courses in behavioral science, forensics, leadership development, terrorism, communications, and health and fitness. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Labors of Love
Summer Camp Guide........... A22 Sports.................B4 Real Estate Guide..............B8
Shelby County officials work to combat human trafficking By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
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Annie McDonald — or Miss Annie, as she’s known to thousands of area students — lives out her passions of teaching and now cooking with Miss Annie’s Home + Kitchen.
See page A25
Human trafficking is an issue that, contrary to stereotype, can affect vulnerable people anywhere, even in communities such as Shelby County. It is the fastest growing and second largest criminal activity in the world. Birmingham and surrounding areas bordered by interstates and major roadways are a popular spot for this crime. Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to cause a person to perform either labor or a commercial sex act. Each year, millions of men, women and children are victimized by traffickers worldwide as part of
See TRAFFICKING | page A30
Blanket Fort Hope CEO and founder Alexa James holds a “Sold!” sign as she celebrates with Christy Ellis Brasher and Corley Ellis of Ellis Properties after signing paperwork for a new facility that will be built on property in Columbiana. Photo courtesy of Blanket Fort Hope.