The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office recently celebrated the graduation of its 60th Session of the RPSO Correction Academy during a ceremony held at the Cenla Shrine Club.

Over the course of 11 weeks and more than 330 hours of training, cadets from multiple agencies—including the Allen Parish, Beauregard Parish, Caldwell Parish, Grant Parish, Sabine Parish, Vernon Parish, Winn Parish, and Rapides Parish sheriff’s offices—received instruction in areas such as criminal law, first aid and CPR, bloodborne pathogens, de-escalation techniques, use of electronic control devices, high-risk prisoner transport, firearms, and defensive tactics.

Following graduation, the new deputies will return to their respective agencies to complete field training before beginning their careers in law enforcement.

Warden Julie Sasser, a 20-year veteran and former RPSO graduate, served as guest speaker for the ceremony. She encouraged graduates to continue learning, emphasized the importance of integrity, and reminded them to take pride in their appearance and professionalism while representing their agencies.

Class President Matthew Gaines earned Top Firearms and Top Scholastic Honors.