The Bristol County Sheriff’s Office welcomed its six newest corrections officers at socially distance academy graduation on March 10.

According to a release from the office, to comply with Covid regulations, a limited number of friends and family were allowed to attend the ceremony at the training area at the Faunce Corner jail.

"There are not many of us, but I can tell already that we're locked into this department for a long time," said class valedictorian Kyle Quinn, who finished with a 96.55 GPA. "We've come so far."

The graduates of the 47th academy and newest members of the Bristol County team are Joseph Cabana, Aaron O'Loughlin, Kyle Quinn, Robert Rue, Daniel Soares and Rafael Soares.

Over eight weeks of training, 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. 

"You're an example. You're a law enforcement professional. You're a first responder. You're a coach and a mentor," Sheriff Hodgson said to the graduates. "You are a corrections officer."

The next Correction Officers Academy is slated to start in July.