SPC Law Enforcement graduate looks back on late father’s legacy

For Logan Bartlett, the memory of his late father, Joshua Bartlett, has been a source of motivation when overcoming life’s challenges. Following in his father’s footsteps, Logan plans to give back to the community as a South Plains College Law Enforcement Academy graduate.

“My dad was my hero,” Logan said. “I always want to make him proud.”

Sgt. Joshua Bartlett served as an assistant SWAT team commander for the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office. Before his nine years of service to the Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Army combat veteran served two tours in Iraq as an infantryman with the 10th Mountain Division, earning many awards, including a Purple Heart and a National Defense Service Medal.

Joshua was killed in the line of duty on July 15, 2021, during a SWAT standoff in Levelland. His dedication to protecting the community, no matter the risk, has always been on Logan’s mind.

“I want to follow in my dad’s footsteps,” Logan said. “I want to be on a SWAT team.”

Logan’s start in law enforcement is similar to the educational pathway of his father, who began his criminal justice education by earning an associate degree and graduating from SPC’s Police Academy in 2012.

Now a 2026 SPC Law Enforcement Academy graduate, Logan aims to make his father proud by working toward a position on a SWAT team. The Roosevelt High School graduate knew community college would be the best bet in helping him achieve this goal.

“I knew law enforcement was something I wanted to pursue, and South Plains College checked all the boxes for me,” he said, regarding his start as an SPC student in Fall 2024.

As one of the youngest students in the Academy, Logan knew the path to graduation would be challenging. Remembering his father’s values helped him through the most taxing days.

In addition to giving him a strong foundation in criminal justice, Logan said the SPC community supported him through life’s challenges. Kenny Burns, chairperson of SPC’s Professional Services and Energy Department, and Shawn Wilson, SPC law enforcement instructor, are a few faculty members who motivated him.

Wilson is a former Levelland Police Department sergeant detective who was shot in the back of the head during the SWAT standoff that killed Joshua. Former Levelland Police Chief Albert Garcia, who now serves as SPC’s dean of Technical Education, rendered aid to Wilson on scene while shots were firing.

“The job is bigger than you,” Logan said, regarding the risks and rewards of his career path. “There’s a deeper meaning to it. If you want purpose, this is definitely the job.”

To support students in SPC’s law enforcement program, contact the College’s Development Office at 806-716-2019 or dschafer@southplainscollege.edu and learn more about the Sgt. Joshua Bartlett Memorial Scholarship.

 

PHOTO CAPTION: Logan Bartlett is a 2026 graduate of South Plains College’s Law Enforcement Academy. Pictured from the left are SPC Technical Education Dean Albert Garcia, Law Enforcement Instructor Shawn Wilson, Bartlett and SPC Professional Services and Energy Department Chair Kenny Burns.