Three deputies with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office have successfully completed academy training and earned their P.O.S.T. certifications, marking a significant milestone in their law enforcement careers.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announced that Deputies Dorothy Thompson, Courtney Brandon, and William Besinger graduated from the 60th Session of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Corrections Academy in Alexandria last week. Each deputy received their P.O.S.T. Level II Certification upon completion of the program.

Over the course of the 11-week academy, cadets representing multiple agencies—including Allen, Beauregard, Caldwell, Grant, Sabine, Vernon, Winn, and Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Offices—completed more than 330 hours of intensive training. Instruction covered a wide range of critical topics, including criminal law, first aid and CPR, bloodborne pathogens, de-escalation techniques, use of electronic control devices (Taser), high-risk prisoner transport, firearms, and defensive tactics.

Following graduation, Deputies Thompson and Brandon have been assigned to the Sabine Parish Women’s Jail under Assistant Warden Teresa Bonner. Deputy Besinger will serve at the Sabine Parish Detention Center under Assistant Warden Kaylynn Remedies.

Sheriff Mitchell praised the deputies for their hard work and dedication, commending their commitment to both the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Sabine Parish.

“These deputies have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and professional excellence,” Mitchell said. “We are proud of their accomplishments and confident they will serve our community with integrity.”