The Bristol County Sheriff’s Office welcomed its eight newest corrections officers at academy graduation on Nov. 2.

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, first aid, and suicide awareness.

The graduates of the academy and newest members of the Bristol County team are Justin Cabral, Tony DeSousa, Robert Patterson and Mitchell Pereira.

DeSousa, the class valedictorian who finished with with a 97 GPA, said there were several times he felt like quitting during the recruit training academy. But the noted here was one major reason he stuck it out.

"My fellow classmates saw the potential that I did not see," he said. "We were once strangers, but we have built an unbreakable bond that represents our team. It is truly an honor to be serving Bristol County as a Correctional Officer."

Academy Director Lt. Robert Matos told the graduates to set goals and strive to achieve them as they progress through the ranks of the Bristol County Sheriff's Office.

"There are a lot of opportunities in this department to grow," he told the crowd. "Maybe you see yourself as a supervisor or K9 or the training division. Work toward your goals and achieve them."

In the ceremony's keynote address, Sheriff Thomas Hodgson welcomed the officers and reminded them the importance of teamwork.

"We communicate. We listen. We work together as a team for the public safety of Bristol County," he said. "We're all on the same team, and no member of that team is more important than the other because the team doesn't succeed without all its parts."