The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office held the graduation ceremony for the 61st Session of the RPSO Corrections Academy at the Cenla Shrine Club.

Deputies from Allen Parish, Beauregard Parish, Caldwell Parish, Grant Parish, LaSalle Parish, Rapides Parish, Sabine Parish and Vernon Parish participated in the academy.

Deputies were instructed in criminal law, Basic Jail Guidelines, report writing, de-escalation techniques, firearms, defensive tactics, Electronic Control Devices (Taser), chemical weapons (pepper spray), first aid/CPR and high-risk prisoner transport.

RPSO Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline was the keynote speaker. He spoke on opportunities and having a heart of service and encouraged the graduates to protect and serve with integrity, courage, fairness and compassion.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office congratulated the new POST Certified Deputy Sheriffs and wished them the best in their new careers at their respective agencies.

The office also prayed for God’s hedge of protection over each of the graduates.