Captain Sam Rapoza returned to his alma mater Monday, Jan. 6 to meet with the Dartmouth High School media class alongside other members of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office for an informational video project on their work.

Rapoza shared how he joined the House of Corrections soon after graduating, with officers hired starting at the age of 19. 

Alongside Sheriff Paul Heroux, he answered questions posed by the students about what a career looks like at the sheriff’s office and what the office does.

Some use it as an entry-level foot in the door, Rapoza said, “but many people, including myself, decided to stay because we really enjoyed the work, enjoyed the work environment and the people that we work with.”

Heroux said older folks can also join, too, noting a few who didn’t apply for a correctional officer position until their 50s.

This project is one of many Robert Perrotti, the high school’s lead business, innovation and technology teacher, has led students through with the community.

Heroux said it not only gives students more information about the sheriff’s office and its careers, but also provides an opportunity for the office to connect with the community, conduct outreach and effectively recruit new officers.

After a few years in the air force, Correctional Officer Jordan Sandel said he was searching for a place to work when an officer suggested he join him at the House of Corrections — he wasn’t even aware of Dartmouth one.

“There are a lot of people out there who need jobs, who need work, who may not necessarily know there’s a place for them to work,” Sandel said.

After approximately 12 years with the office, he said he’s found himself not only enjoying it, but being able to support his family.

Junior Kristain Zikla, who is a foreign exchange student from Slovakia, said he ran a camera, making sure the interviewees were in the shot.

Though he took the course on a whim, he said, “I think it’s amazing to work with basically clients.”

Ben Smith, who hosted and helped organize the project, said, “This is another step of the way that DHS media is growing,” and as a senior this year, “I can’t wait to see this program grow and grow farther.”

Sophomore Sierra Hart noted the officers are “kind of stuck” with their careers, and hearing their insight was valuable for those who might be interested in similar work.

Sophomore Noelle Moitoso, who ran the sound check, said she was enjoying the journalism experience she gained from the project, adding how she enjoys talking with people about what’s important to the town and what’s happening in the community.

Heroux said, “It’s nice to see these students have a program like this that can give them a skill that they can do after graduation,” adding how “it was nice to see just a very well-run program.”

Keep an eye out for the full project on the DHSTVmedia channel on YouTube.