Graduation exercises for the 53rd basic training class of the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy took place yesterday, May 2, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church in Shreveport. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator was the guest speaker.

Thirteen agencies were represented when graduates took the oath of office, received their badges, and participated in a special ceremony where family and friends assisted them with pinning on their badges for the first time.

 

For 14 weeks, the recruits received more than 501 hours of training in officer survival skills, active shooter drills, officer-down scenarios, academics, and weapons qualifications. Their training also included physical fitness, chemical weapons, legal aspects, defensive tactics, driving, diversity, professionalism, law, patrol activities, traffic services, report writing, investigations, firearms, first aid, and criminal justice.

 

Deputy Timothy Early was honored with the Firearms Award for having the highest average shooting score in the class.

Lt Jason Heard and Lt. Jesse Branam joined Sheriff Mitchell and Chief Deputy Walker in congratulating Deputies Alford, Early, Goodman, James, and McCammond on their hard work and accomplishments. All deputies are assigned to patrol in Sabine Parish.