Attendance was limited as the Bristol County Sheriff's Office hosted a socially distant graduation ceremony for cadets in the 46th Correction Officers Academy on Sept. 9 at the correctional complex on Faunce Corner Road.

According to a press release from the office, to comply with safety regulations each graduate was only able to invite one guest, and staff attendance was limited.

Despite the small crowd, the 15 graduates were met with resounding applause after taking the oath to officially become the newest law enforcement professionals in Bristol County, the release stated.

“You're ready to make your community safer by helping those most at risk. You're ready to be a coach, a mentor and a friend to those in need by giving encouragement, discipline and guidance to individuals getting ready to return to society,” Sheriff Thomas Hodgson told the graduates. “Every day on every shift, you will have the opportunity to help people get on a path to a better place in life. You'll make the world a better place.”

“For that, you deserve the world,” he added. “Or at the very least, a gallery of cheering family and friends.”

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. 

“During the eight weeks, we were challenged mentally and physically,” said class president Nicole Arsenault. “As the days went on, acquaintances became friendships and 15 individuals became one team.”

“I'm blessed to call these 14 other officers not just friends, but brothers and sisters,” said class valedictorian Tina Chute, who finished with a 98.61 average.

The graduates of the 46th academy and newest members of the Bristol County team are Kelsey Alexander, Michael Arpa, Nicole Arsenault, Melanie Barbosa (vice president), Dylan Boardman-Filipe, Tina Chute (valedictorian and treasurer), Christopher Gardner (secretary), Beaudouin Jolivert, Kandice Lague, Jonathan Moniz, David Oliveira, Keith Pallatroni, Michael Silvestri, Brandon Southworth and Jordan Torres.

This year’s class also earned a guidon, a special marker used in the military and law enforcement to signify unit designation. Training staff awards the guidon based on the class' teamwork and unity; not every class receives one.

The next Correction Officers Academy is slated to start in January 2021.