Eight graduate from Bristol County Correction Officers Academy

Mar 11, 2022

The Bristol County Sheriff’s Office welcomed its eight newest corrections officers at academy graduation on March 9.

Over the past eight weeks, graduates completed both classroom and hands-on learning on a variety of corrections topics, including everything from policy and procedure to defensive tactics and first aid.

“We've learned many skills that will stay with us forever,” said class valedictorian Vicente Perez, who finished with a 94.76 GPA. "Our brotherhood has grown exponentially since that first day."

The graduates of the 49th academy and newest members of the Bristol County team are Anthony Andrade, Elson Fernandes, Brandon Golda, Megan Julien, Ruben Lassalle, Brooks Mendard, Vicente Perez and Dylan Vultao.

In the ceremony's keynote address, Sheriff Thomas Hodgson welcomed the officers and spoke highly of graduating in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.

"Covid really turned our industry upside-down," Sheriff Hodgson said. "Our officers met every challenge head-on. These corrections professionals adapted to new rules and regulations and rose to the occasion.

"The strength of our organization has always been how we adapt, deal with, and overcome, adversity," the sheriff added. "And this amazing team is getting better with the addition of these graduates to our award-winning corrections family."

The training academy was led by Lt. Robert Matos, Sgt. Amanda Custodio, and Corrections Officers Curtis Mateus and Stephen Aranda.

Matos told the graduates to continue to work to better themselves and the community.

"Remember as you go through your career to find goals and strive to meet them," Lt. Matos said. "It has been a long eight weeks and you should be proud of all you've accomplished."