Seven recruit deputies from the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office graduated from the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy on Sept. 17 after completing eight weeks of intensive training as part of Jail Officer Basic Class 219, according to a sheriff’s office news release.
The graduates are Deputy Desmond Angus, Deputy Amarachukwu Igwe, Deputy Ashley Matias, Deputy Parmah Njoh, Deputy Micah Peffer, Deputy Lola Pitts and Deputy Jason Rowland.
During the graduation ceremony, Michael C. Harvey, executive director of the academy, presented Deputy Rowland with both the Top Academic Achievement Award and the Top Overall Achievement Award. Deputy Matias was selected by her classmates as the class leader.
The academy training covered defensive tactics, firearms, legal procedures and communication, along with topics specific to jail operations including control of contraband, inmate classification and prisoner transport.
Two days after graduation, the new deputies were sworn in at the courthouse. Clerk of Court Greg Parks administered the oath of office while Sheriff Sean Casey presented each deputy with their credentials.
All seven deputies are now continuing field training at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center, which houses approximately 300 local, state and federal inmates.
The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office operates under Sheriff Casey’s direction with 202 deputies and professional employees. The office is responsible for detention center operations, courthouse security, service of court documents and prisoner transportation. The agency holds triple accreditation from the American Correctional Association, National Commission on Correctional Health Care and Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
The sheriff’s office is actively recruiting for deputy positions, offering starting salaries of $61,375 for entry-level positions and $67,667 for certified officers, plus a $10,000 hiring bonus for Virginia-certified jail officers.
