On Friday, August 17, 2012 St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert presented graduation certificates to the 52nd class of the Basic Training Academy. The 10 graduates recently completed 14 weeks of basic law enforcement training. The curriculum includes practical skills and instills in students core values such as respect, selfless service, and integrity.
With the shooting deaths of St. John the Baptist Parish sheriff's deputies Brandon Nielson and Jeremy Triche fresh in mind, Hebert told graduates that in a time of crisis it is the training they receive in the academy that they will revert to. He also reminded deputies to stay true to their families and their faith, both vital elements to being a successful law enforcement officer.
Dy. Mathew Moore received the Top Gun Award for the highest average score in firearm performance.
Dy. Russell Veillion was presented with the John Kahl, Sr. Award of Excellence. This award is presented to a deputy who achieves the highest academic average. Cpt. John Kahl, Jr. presented the award.
Picture of the graduates pictured from left to right are:
Herbert Hettinger with the SMPSO, Quentin Menard with the Berwick Police Department, John Deglandon with the SMPSO, Dusty Vallot with the SMPSO, Russell Veillon with the SMPSO, Jacob Curry with the SMPSO, Jeffery Harvey of the SMPSO, Mathew Moore with the SMPSO, Brandon Trahan with the SMPSO, Tammy Spencer with the SMPSO, and Assistant Academy Director Cpt. Joe Clements