The Bristol County Sheriff’s Office welcomed its four newest corrections officers at academy graduation on Sept 8.

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.

The graduating class of four is smaller than usual Bristol County academy classes, but allowed for complete social distancing during classroom learning and most lessons.

"I couldn't be more proud of my academy for graduating in these tough times with Covid-19 and the way law enforcement is looked upon right now," said class valedictorian Noah Ramalho, who finished with a 94.4 GPA. “"We may be a small class, but we have just as much heart and determination as any class that has come before.”

The graduates of the 48th academy and newest members of the Bristol County team are Mauricio Arruda, Baba Camara, Trevor Pacheco and Noah Ramalho.

In the ceremony's keynote address, Sheriff Thomas Hodgson welcomed the officers and wished them well in their law enforcement careers.

"Here at the Sheriff's Office, there are more than 600 corrections and law enforcement professionals who come to work day in and day out to make their communities safer places to live, work and raise families," Hodgson said. "Today, our family is getting bigger, better, stronger and more diverse. Share your ideas and perspectives, and take pride in being in a family that is among the very best in the nation."

The training academy was led by Lt. Robert Matos, Corrections Officers Amanda Custodio and Curtis Mateus, and instructor Craig Assad.

Matos told the graduates to never settle for anything but being the best.

"You should be proud of what you accomplished," he said. "Remember as you go through your career to find a goal and strive for it. Work toward it, whatever it is."