The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office recently graduated three deputies from the St. Martin Police Training Academy.

They are Deputy Chad Belaire, Deputy Brandon Bearb, and Deputy Quan Tran.

Deputy Chad Belaire of Gueydan was awarded the “TOP GUN” award for having the highest total composite range scores for shooting.

“I am proud of these young men for wanting to protect and serve the people of Vermilion Parish”, said Sheriff Couvillon. According to Colonel Frith, the police academy is 11 weeks of training specifically designed to teach new recruits the basic fundamentals of law enforcement ranging from legal issues to officer safety. The deputies must also complete a 14 week in-service field training course at the Sheriff’s Office before they can be placed in a patrol car. “We take training serious, as these men and women in uniform must be prepared to serve with competence and confidence as they put their safety on the line for public safety. They have only just begun their education in law enforcement and that process will NOT cease until the last day they serve”, said the Colonel.