The Bristol County Sheriff’s Office welcomed its five newest corrections officers at its recent academy graduation.

This latest group of officers are Paul Beaudion, Taylor Carreiro, Isaac Falade, Nicolas Lysius and Semiu Sanni.

Over the past few months, the class performed team-building exercises mixed with hands-on and academic lessons in communications, mental health awareness, defensive tactics, policy and procedure, first aid, searches and more.

Corrections Officer Beaudoin, class valedictorian with a 96.22 grade average, wished his classmates well as they embark on their career in corrections.

“I wish you all a long, healthy career,” he said. “I look forward to working with all of you for years to come.”

In his first commencement address in office, Sheriff Paul Heroux stressed the importance of public safety to the new officers.

“You will be keeping the public safe. You will be keeping your coworkers safe. And you will be keeping inmates safe,” he said. “You have a chance to make a difference in many lives.”

Academy Director Lt. Robert Matos urged the graduates to set their sights high as they progress through the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office.

“Find that goal and strive to it,” he said. “Whether it’s to be a supervisor, canine, special investigations or something else. Maybe it’s to one day be in our seats as a member of the training department. Set your sights on it and stay focused.”