Forty-five new Hillsborough County deputies wrapped up 30 weeks of intensive training on Friday morning.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office typically hosts graduation ceremonies at its headquarters but, due to the size of class 1805, had to move Friday’s event to the TECO Expo Hall at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds to accommodate everybody in attendance a the 10 a.m. ceremony.
This graduating class is, according to HCSO, one of the most diverse in the agency’s history. It includes 12 women, 10 military veterans, two former college football players, a cancer survivor, several natives of other countries (Peru and Cameroon) and several speakers of French and Spanish.
“These are all things we should embrace and celebrate, which I know will make us a better and stronger agency,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said during the ceremony.
Class 1805 has also logged the most volunteer hours of any class before it, tallying up more than 1,000.
Chronister celebrated the class for its passion and drive to serve the community, and urged the new deputies to stay true to their mission and represent the agency as pillars of the community.
“You are the next generation of peacemakers… we are proud of each and every one of you for your steadfast and unwavering commitment which has led you here today,” he said.