The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office held a graduation ceremony last Friday at Docville to recognize the 2025 Junior Deputy Academy class. Sheriff James Pohlmann commended the participants for completing the summer program, which aims to promote community pride and provide youth with an understanding of law enforcement, according to an announcement from the Sheriff's Office.
This year’s graduates include a diverse group of young participants, such as Maddox Acosta, Tyler Borel, and Chance Bostic. During the graduation ceremony, each individual received a certificate of completion, a Junior Deputy badge, a lanyard, and a T-shirt. The program, which focuses on firearm safety and law enforcement education, recognized Travis Guillot Jr. with the Top Shooter award. In addition, Kain Hood and Emma Kelt received honors for their marksmanship.
The graduation ceremony featured addresses from Lt. Eric Eilers and Chaplain Aaron Johnson who coordinated the program. As per the St. Bernard Sheriff's Office, they extended congratulations to the graduates and expressed gratitude for their eagerness to learn about law enforcement and their community. Guest speaker Troy Sino, a 2017 graduate of the Junior Deputy Academy and current Student Government Association President at Nunez Community College, also spoke, emphasizing the significance of good decision-making and the positive influence the program had on him.
The annual program, scheduled every June for children ages 10 to 12, includes practical hands-on activities like tours of the parish jail, live demonstrations by the K-9 Unit, and firearm safety lessons at the Sheriff's Office shooting range. Sheriff Pohlmann remarked on the importance of such youth programs which are intended to foster a sense of responsibility and interest in community service. Acknowledgment was also given to the various supporters and local organizations, such as the Meraux Foundation, Vietnam Veterans of America St. Bernard Chapter 550, and several others who contributed to the successful execution of this year's program.
