The Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office graduated five recently at the St. Martin Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Training Academy, with Deputy Robert Lemay receiving an award for best notebook.

"I am happy that these five young men have chosen to protect and serve, here in Vermilion Parish and I am very proud of their accomplishments as they begin their career in law enforcement. Our ability to continue providing the very best service possible within the office of Sheriff, is contingent upon our ability to hire men and women that are truly devoted and committed to serve", said Sheriff Mike Couvillon.

According to Chief Deputy, Colonel Kirk Frith, the deputies are not finished their education and training. "Graduating the police academy is a milestone in these deputies careers, but its only the beginning of a career life of training and education essential to survive in this line of work", said the Colonel. According to Frith, the deputies must now complete a 12 week in service "Field Training" program before they are released to the patrol division, issued a patrol car and can begin to protect and serve as a patrol deputy. Frith says that deputies will continue to receive ongoing and continuous training throughout their careers, to ensure they stay in tune with ever changing laws, but more importantly to ensure that they maintain key certifications vital to their own survival on the streets.