SHERIFF JOHN JORDAN HEADS OFF TO SCHOOL

The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff is going back to school.

John Jordan was selected by the executive director of the Missouri Sheriff's Association to attend the National Sheriff's Institute in Longmont, Colo., just north of Denver. Jordan is among 25 other sheriffs and deputies from around the nation attending the NSI's two-week training program beginning today.

The association's executive director, James Vermeersh, said he selected Jordan because of his expertise and credentials.

"It was very easy for me to look toward John to give him this opportunity," he said. "He's one of our best sheriffs and this opportunity will make him better."

The NSI's "executive development program" is made up of college-level courses offered about twice a year since 1993. Most of the courses deal with enhancing leadership and managerial skills.

"I'm looking forward to it," Jordan said. "It's a great opportunity and it can only help me in this job."

Jordan will be exposed to courses continuously updated by information processed by the NSI. In addition to the classroom experience, Jordan also will participate in a two-day series of single issue updates on current problems facing sheriffs around the nation.

The program is funded by the National Sheriff's Association and the National Institute of Corrections. They pay for the instruction, travel and room and board expenses for the people attending the institute.

Vermeersch said he plans to schedule Jordan to speak to the other 114 sheriff's in Missouri about his experience.